yardbird

noun

yard·​bird ˈyärd-ˌbərd How to pronounce yardbird (audio)
1
: a soldier assigned to a menial task or restricted to a limited area as a disciplinary measure
2
: an untrained or inept enlisted man

Word History

Etymology

yard entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of yardbird was circa 1941

Dictionary Entries Near yardbird

yardarm

yardbird

yard boss

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Yardbird.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yardbird. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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