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Definition of antbird

antbird

/ˈænt.bɜːrd/
ant · bird
Plural:antbirds
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antbird Lexical Profile

antbird Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of numerous small passerine birds of the family Thamnophilidae, native to subtropical and tropical Central and South America, many of which are known for their habit of following swarms of army ants to catch insects flushed out by the ants.

Example

"During our trek through the Amazon basin, the guide pointed out a striking antbird darting through the underbrush near a column of army ants."

• Nearby Words

antananarivo
antapex
antarctic
antbird
ante
anteater
antebellum

Word Origin & Etymology

A compound of 'ant' and 'bird', coined in the mid-19th century in reference to the characteristic behavior of many species in this family, which follow swarms of army ants to prey on the insects and small arthropods flushed from the forest floor.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Antbird. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/antbird
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