# wren

/ˈɹɛn/ (US) · /ɹˈɛn/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

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

## Definition

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.

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

## Examples

- A tiny wren is singing on the garden fence.
- While hiking through the dense undergrowth, we spotted a wren darting between the fallen logs in search of insects.
- 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 notes

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

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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.