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Definition of sunbird

sunbird

/ˈsʌn.bɝːd/
sun · bird
Plural:sunbirds
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sunbird Lexical Profile

sunbird Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of numerous small, brightly colored passerine birds of the family Nectariniidae, native to Africa, Asia, and Australasia, characterized by long, slender, downward-curving bills adapted for feeding on floral nectar.

Example

"While hiking in the South African fynbos, we spotted a brilliant malachite sunbird probing the aloe flowers for nectar."

Word Nuance & Usage

Sunbirds are frequently confused with hummingbirds due to their similar ecological roles and iridescent plumage; however, sunbirds are native to the Old World and generally perch to feed rather than hover.

• Rhymes for sunbird

• Nearby Words

sunbeam snake
sunbed
sunbelt
sunbird
sunbittern
sunblind
sunblock

Word Origin & Etymology

A compound of 'sun' and 'bird', likely coined in the late 18th or early 19th century in reference to the brilliantly iridescent, metallic plumage of the males that flashes brightly in sunlight.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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