ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hummingbird

n.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈhəmɪŋˌbɝd// UK //hˈʌmɪŋbˌɜːd// hum·ming·bird

n. a very small bird with a long, thin beak and wings that beat very fast. You often see them flying around flowers to drink nectar.

n. any of various small, brightly coloured birds of the family Trochilidae, characterized by a long, slender bill and rapid wingbeats. Found primarily in the Americas.


SIMPLE

The hummingbird hovered near the red flowers.

CONTEXTUAL

During our trip to the rainforest, we watched a hummingbird dart from flower to flower to feed.

COMPLEX

The hummingbird's unique ability to hover in place is achieved through a rapid wingbeat that allows it to maintain stability while feeding on nectar.

Origin

From humming (noun) + bird, in reference to the humming sound made by the rapidly moving wings.

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