hummingbird

noun

hum·​ming·​bird ˈhə-miŋ-ˌbərd 

: any of a family (Trochilidae) of tiny brightly colored nonpasserine American birds related to the swifts that have a very slender bill and an extensible tongue for sipping nectar and that usually hover rather than perch when feeding

Illustration of hummingbird

Examples of hummingbird in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In contrast, saucer feeders allow the hummingbird to use its long tongue, as long as bees don’t enter and block the ports. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025

Days after planting the first Turk’s cap and scarlet sage, hummingbirds fluttered in to sip their nectar. —Laura Mallonee, Wired News, 12 Apr. 2025

Hummingbird feeder: on sale for $19.19 (52% off) Original price: $39.99 Bring some wildlife to your patio by adding a hummingbird feeder. —Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2025

However, hanging a feeder doesn't mean hummingbirds will automatically come. —Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hummingbird

• ruby-throated hummingbird

Rhymes for hummingbird

• afterword
• firebird
• ladybird
• mockingbird
• overheard
• thunderbird
• undergird
• undeterred
• absurd
• averred
• bluebird
• byword

Kids Definition

hummingbird

noun

hum·​ming·​bird ˈhəm-iŋ-ˌbərd 

: any of numerous tiny brightly colored American birds related to the swifts and having narrow swiftly beating wings, a slender bill, and a long tongue for sipping nectar