hummingbird

noun

hum·​ming·​bird ˈhə-miŋ-ˌbərd How to pronounce hummingbird (audio)
: any of a family (Trochilidae) of tiny brightly colored nonpasserine American birds related to the swifts that have a very slender bill and an extensible tongue for sipping nectar and that usually hover rather than perch when feeding

Illustration of hummingbird

Illustration of hummingbird

Examples of hummingbird 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.
Planting flowers hummingbirds love, such as bee balm and hummingbird sage, is the best way to bring these little gems to your garden. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 12 June 2025 California’s Anna’s hummingbirds adapted relatively quickly. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 May 2025 The largest animal Alexander and Macias have preserved was an 11-foot-long buffalo, while the smallest, not including insects, was a hummingbird. Jessie Schiewe, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025 Without bees, butterflies, moths and hummingbirds, that hopeful backyard bumper crop may be lackluster. Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hummingbird

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hummingbird was in 1637

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Cite this Entry

“Hummingbird.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hummingbird. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

hummingbird

noun
hum·​ming·​bird ˈhəm-iŋ-ˌbərd How to pronounce hummingbird (audio)
: any of numerous tiny brightly colored American birds related to the swifts and having narrow swiftly beating wings, a slender bill, and a long tongue for sipping nectar

More from Merriam-Webster on hummingbird

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