catbird

noun

cat·​bird ˈkat-ˌbərd How to pronounce catbird (audio)
: an American songbird (Dumetella carolinensis) that is dark gray in color with a black cap and reddish coverts under the tail and is related to the mockingbird

Examples of catbird 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.
Watch for green herons at the lake edge and gray catbirds in the lakeside shrubs. — Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026 The robin-sized gray catbird sports a lovely shade of gray overall, with a black cap, dark eye, black in the wings and contrasting bright rufous under its tail. — Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026 Watch for visiting warblers, catbirds, mockingbirds, thrushes and more. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2025 Be prepared for some competition; elderberries are a favorite of warblers, orioles, tanagers, and catbirds. — Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catbird

Word History

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of catbird was in 1709

Phrases Containing catbird

Rhymes for catbird

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Browse Nearby Words

catberry
catbird
catbird grape
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Cite this Entry

“Catbird.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catbird. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

catbird

noun
cat·​bird ˈkat-ˌbərd How to pronounce catbird (audio)
: a dark gray American songbird with a black cap and a reddish underside of the base of the tail

More from Merriam-Webster on catbird

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about catbird

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