ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wren

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈɹɛn// UK //ɹˈɛn// wren Archaic Informal

n. a very small, brown bird with a short tail that often points upward. It is known for having a very loud and beautiful song for its size.

n. any of various small, typically brown passerine birds in the family Troglodytidae, characterized by a short, cocked tail and a loud, complex song.


SIMPLE

A tiny wren is singing on the garden fence.

CONTEXTUAL

While hiking through the dense undergrowth, we spotted a wren darting between the fallen logs in search of insects.

COMPLEX

The Eurasian wren is one of the smallest birds in the region, yet its powerful trill can be heard across the entire woodland during the breeding season.

Usage

Commonly used to refer specifically to the Eurasian wren in Europe or the House wren in North America.

© 2026 English Reference