wren

noun

ˈren 

1

: any of a family (Troglodytidae) of small typically brownish oscine singing birds

especially : a very small widely distributed bird (Troglodytes troglodytes) that has a short erect tail and is noted for its song

2

: any of various small singing birds resembling the true wrens in size and habits

Illustration of wren

• wren 1

Examples of wren in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One species—the superb fairy wren of Australasia—lures predators away from their young by making darting movements and squeaky sounds to imitate the behavior of a delectable mouse. —Harvey Whitehouse, WIRED, 23 Jan. 2025

Sycamore trees were full of nesting holes for birds like western bluebird and house wrens. —Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025

Featured among the extinct species linked with cats is the Stephens Island wren or the Lyall’s wren (Traversia lyalli), whose extinction was spurred on by the arrival of a housecat named Tibbles. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024

Despite their fanciful names, fairy wrens are commonplace in Australia. —Rivka Galchen, The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wrenne, from Old English wrenna; akin to Old High German rentilo wren

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing wren

• cactus wren
• Carolina wren

Kids Definition

wren

noun

ˈren 

1

: any of a family of small mostly brown singing birds with short rounded wings and a short tail that points upward

2

: any of various small singing birds resembling the true wrens in size and habits

Biographical Definition

Wren

biographical name

ˈren 

Sir Christopher 1632–1723 English architect