starling

noun

star·​ling ˈstär-liŋ 

: any of a family (Sturnidae, especially genus Sturnus) of usually dark gregarious oscine birds

especially : a dark brown or in summer glossy greenish-black European bird (S. vulgaris) naturalized nearly worldwide and often considered a pest

Examples of starling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After studying superb starlings for two decades, researchers suggest the birds support unrelated members of their flock in raising their chicks, with the expectation that those members will return the favor in the future. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 May 2025

This vast coastal landscape is famous for its unique ecosystem, bird migrations, and the mesmerizing phenomenon known as the Black Sun, where thousands of starlings create breathtaking aerial displays at sunset. —David Nikel, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

The culprit behind the spread of the virus could be non-native European starling populations, a species that was first introduced to New York City in 1890, the Nevada Department of Wildlife said in a Facebook post last March. —Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2025

There may be no better example of this reflexivity than the AI trade as investors move like a flock of starlings. —Michael Khouw, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English stærlinc, from stær starling + -ling, -linc -ling; akin to Old High German stara starling, Latin sturnus

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for starling

• carling
• harling
• marling
• snarling
• sparling

Kids Definition

starling

noun

star·​ling ˈstär-liŋ 

: any of a family of usually dark-colored birds that tend to flock together

especially : a dark brown or in summer glossy greenish black European bird that has been brought to the U.S. and is often considered a pest