Examples of bird in a Sentence
These examples show how the word “bird” is currently used today. They were gathered programmatically from a variety of internet sources. The examples’ opinions do not necessarily reflect those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
First Known Use: Old English bridd, from Middle English brid, bird
prior to the 12th century, as understood in sense 1
1917, in the meaning defined above Time Traveler
How to use bird in a sentence
- any warm-blooded, avian class vertebrate that lays eggs, with feathers covering its body and forelimbs transformed into wings The ostrich and the hummingbird are two different sizes of birds. Associated adjectives: avian, ornithic
- informal an individual (often preceded by a qualifying adjective, as in uncommon bird, strange bird, or astute bird)
- slang, primarily British, for a young lady or girl, especially a girlfriend
- prison slang or a term used in prison (particularly in the expression “do bird,” which is a contraction of “birdlime,” a rhyme for time)
- a bird in the hand something definite or certain
- Informal flight of the bird indicates that the subject has either run away or escaped.
- The euphemistic behavior of birds and bees, or their playful approach to sexual reproduction
- birds of a feather: individuals who share similar traits, viewpoints, passions, etc.
- Get the bird dismissed or fired informally so that it can be heckled, jeered, or hissed at (especially if it’s a public performer).
- Give someone the bird informally to scoff at, hiss at, or otherwise rudely tell them to go.
- accomplish two goals with one action by killing two birds with one stone.
- like a bird without resistance or difficulty
- A little bird informed me that it was your birthday, according to a (presumably) unidentified source.
- for the birds or only for the birds; irrelevant; informal birds deserving of scorn or contempt
Origin of bird1First recorded before 900; Middle English
- Larry, born 1956, U.S. basketball player.
Dictionary. Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, com Unabridged © Random House, Inc. 2024.
FAQ
What is the definition of a bird for kids?
Birds are vertebrate animals that have feathers, wings, and beaks. Like all vertebrates, they have bony skeleton. Most birds are able to fly, but some (like ostriches and penguins) cannot fly even though they still have wings.
What’s the bird meaning?
idiom. : to make an offensive gesture at (someone) by pointing the middle finger upward while keeping the other fingers folded down. See the full definition.
What classifies as a bird?
They have three characteristics that distinguish them from other animals: feathers; hard-shelled eggs; and hollow bones. Like mammals, birds are warm-blooded, meaning that their body temperature stays the same no matter how hot or cold it is outside.
What is the simple definition of a bird?
A bird is an animal with wings, feathers, and two legs. Birds, from chickens to crows, are also warm-blooded and lay eggs. Most birds can fly using their wings, and when you visit the coast you’ll see various sea birds like gulls, terns, and cormorants.