# hummingbird

/ˈhəmɪŋˌbɝd/ (US) · /hˈʌmɪŋbˌɜːd/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hummingbird
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The hummingbird hovered near the red flowers.
- During our trip to the rainforest, we watched a hummingbird dart from flower to flower to feed.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.