# orioles

/ˈɔɹiˌoʊɫz/ (US) · /ˈɔːɹɪˌəʊlz/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/orioles
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

brightly colored songbirds often found in gardens and forests. The males usually have striking orange or yellow feathers with black wings.

For teachers: any of various colorful passerine birds belonging to the families Oriolidae (Old World) or Icteridae (New World).

## Examples

- We saw several bright orange orioles nesting in the tall elm trees.
- The garden became a popular spot for birdwatchers once the orioles began their seasonal migration through the valley.
- While the Old World and New World orioles share a name and similar vibrant plumage, they belong to entirely different biological families, representing a classic case of convergent evolution.

## Usage notes

- The plural form of 'oriole'; when capitalized, it refers to the professional baseball team based in Baltimore.

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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.