yellowhammer

noun

yel·​low·​ham·​mer ˈye-lō-ˌha-mər How to pronounce yellowhammer (audio)
ˈye-lə-
1
: a common Palearctic finch (Emberiza citrinella of the family Emberizidae) having the male largely yellow and chestnut

called also yellow bunting

2

Examples of yellowhammer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The region also plays host to a diverse array of passerines, with colorful native creatures ranging from the yellowhammer to the Eurasian golden oriole—but perhaps the most famous resident of Brenne Regional Natural Park isn’t a bird at all. Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 Nearly five million people live in Alabama, which takes its state nickname from the name of its state bird, the yellowhammer. Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 7 June 2020

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier yelambre, from Middle English *yelwambre, from yelwe yellow + *ambre yellowhammer, from Old English amore; akin to Old High German amaro yellowhammer, amari emmer

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of yellowhammer was in 1538

Cite this Entry

“Yellowhammer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yellowhammer. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

yellowhammer

noun
yel·​low·​ham·​mer ˈyel-ō-ˌham-ər How to pronounce yellowhammer (audio)
ˈyel-ə-

More from Merriam-Webster on yellowhammer

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