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Definition of bird-of-paradise
bird-of-paradise
Plural:birds-of-paradise
• noun
1
A widely cultivated evergreen perennial plant (Strelitzia reginae) native to South Africa, noted for its striking orange and blue flowers that strongly resemble the head and crest of an exotic bird in flight.
Example
"The florist arranged lush tropical greenery around a vibrant bird-of-paradise to create a bold, modern centerpiece."
2
Any of numerous sexually dimorphic songbirds of the family Paradisaeidae, native primarily to New Guinea and eastern Australia, renowned for the males' spectacular, brightly colored plumage and elaborate courtship displays.
Example
"The male Greater bird-of-paradise clears a patch of the forest floor before beginning his complex, dazzling dance to attract a female."
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Bird-of-paradise. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/bird-of-paradise