# sparrow

/ˈspɛɹoʊ/ (US) · /spˈæɹəʊ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sparrow
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the bird

noun · CEFR B2

a small, common bird with brown, grey, and white feathers that lives near people.

For teachers: any of numerous small, brownish-grey passerine birds, particularly the house sparrow (Passer domesticus), known for its proximity to human habitation.

- A small sparrow landed on the café table to look for breadcrumbs.
- The house sparrow has successfully colonised urban environments across the globe, adapting its nesting habits to man-made structures.

### 2. a lively person

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Dialect · Informal

a person who is quick, energetic, and clever, especially someone from a city.

For teachers: a metaphorical reference to a quick-witted, lively, or diminutive person, often associated with urban working-class archetypes.

- The old man was a real London sparrow, always ready with a joke.
- She was described as a typical London sparrow, possessing a sharp wit and an indomitable spirit despite her small stature.

Teaching tip: This sense is mostly found in British English, specifically in the phrase 'cockney sparrow' to describe a cheerful Londoner.

## Examples

- A tiny sparrow landed on the fence to look for seeds.
- While larger birds stayed in the trees, the sparrow hopped boldly across the patio to pick up breadcrumbs.
- The house sparrow has successfully colonised almost every corner of the globe, largely due to its ability to thrive in close proximity to human settlements and agricultural land.

---

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.