thrush

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈthrəsh 

plural thrushes

: any of numerous small or medium-sized passerine birds (family Turdidae and especially subfamily Turdinae) which are mostly of a plain color often with spotted underparts and many of which are excellent singers

For most backyard birders, thrushes tend to fly under the radar. But you may be more familiar with this varied group than you realize. Although they may not look it, American robins and bluebirds are both part of the thrush bird family. … Six species of thrushes with brown backs and spotted chests live in forests across North America.

—Kenn Kaufman and Kimberly Kaufman

see also song thrush, waterthrush, wood thrush

thrush

2 of 2

noun (2)

1

: a disease that is caused by a fungus (Candida albicans), occurs especially in infants and children, and is marked by white patches in the oral cavity

broadly : candidiasis

vaginal thrush

2

: a suppurative disorder of the feet in various animals (such as a horse)

Examples of thrush in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Their nutrient-rich berries are favorites for fruit-eating birds, including robins, thrushes, waxwings, and orioles. —Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2024

Other common causes for white tongue, including oral thrush and tongue cancer. —Kelly Burch Updated, Verywell Health, 5 Sep. 2024

Studies have shown a long and drawn-out reduction in eggshell thickness in blackbirds, song thrushes and mistle thrushes, for instance, all linked to acidification of their lowland environments, mostly through pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide. —Jules Howard, TIME, 4 Sep. 2024

In early summer, small but nutritious berries (which humans can eat, too) are enjoyed by over 35 species of birds, including cedar waxwings, robins, catbirds, thrushes, and Baltimore orioles. —Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English thrusche, from Old English thrysce; akin to Old English throstle thrush, Old High German droscala, Latin turdus

Noun (2)

probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish trøske thrush, Swedish torsk

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing thrush

• song thrush
• wood thrush

Kids Definition

thrush

noun

ˈthrəsh

: any of a large family of small or medium-sized songbirds that are mostly of a plain color often with spotted underparts

Medical Definition

thrush

noun

ˈthrəsh 

1

: a disease that is caused by a fungus of the genus Candida (C. albicans), occurs especially in infants and children, and is marked by white patches in the oral cavity

broadly : candidiasis

vaginal thrush

2

: a suppurative disorder of the feet in various animals (as the horse)