kingbird

noun

king·​bird ˈkiŋ-ˌbərd How to pronounce kingbird (audio)
: any of various American tyrant flycatchers (genus Tyrannus) that are gray above and white, gray, or yellow below

Examples of kingbird in a Sentence

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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.
As with grass, only offer roots from plants that have not been treated with fertilizers or pesticides. Milkweed Fibers and Cattail Fluff: American goldfinch, Baltimore orioles, and Eastern kingbirds will line their nests with milkweed silk and cattail fluff. — Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Mar. 2025 In their endemic ranges, these wasps are eaten by skunks, squirrels, or bears, or snagged in flight by kingbirds and tanagers. — Hannah Hoag, USA TODAY, 28 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kingbird was in 1778

Rhymes for kingbird

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king ball
kingbird
king blossom
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Cite this Entry

“Kingbird.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kingbird. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

kingbird

noun
king·​bird -ˌbərd How to pronounce kingbird (audio)
: any of several American tyrant flycatchers

More from Merriam-Webster on kingbird

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kingbird

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