wren

noun

1
: any of a family (Troglodytidae) of small typically brownish oscine singing birds
especially : a very small widely distributed bird (Troglodytes troglodytes) that has a short erect tail and is noted for its song
2
: any of various small singing birds resembling the true wrens in size and habits

Illustration of wren

Illustration of wren
  • wren 1

Examples of wren 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.
Interestingly, the study noted that the southern house wren (Troglodytes musculus) — despite being the island’s most abundant resident species — was able to avoid the viper’s deadly fangs. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 Feathers: Swallows, wrens, and flycatchers often line their nests with feathers. Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Mar. 2025 Small Twigs: Cardinals, blue jays, and house wrens use fine twigs to build their nests. Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Mar. 2025 Potential Problems Due to Bird Nesting Sparrows, wrens, blue jays, mallards, starlings, doves, and pigeons are just a few types of birds that commonly nest near humans. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wren

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wrenne, from Old English wrenna; akin to Old High German rentilo wren

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wren was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Wren.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wren. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

wren

noun
1
: any of a family of small mostly brown singing birds with short rounded wings and a short tail that points upward
2
: any of various small singing birds resembling the true wrens in size and habits

Biographical Definition

Wren

biographical name

Sir Christopher 1632–1723 English architect

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