Hummingbird
/ˈhʌm.ɪŋ.bɜːrd/noun
A very small nectar-feeding bird capable of hovering and rapid wingbeats.
Did you know?The name refers to the audible humming produced by the bird’s extremely rapid wingbeats, not to a magical song or vocal call.
Etymological Timeline
16th Century
English
hum
“To make a low, continuous sound; probably an expressive or imitative formation.”
Old English
Old English
brid
“Young bird or nestling; the ultimate origin of bird is uncertain.”
17th Century
English
humming
“Making a continuous humming sound; the present participle of hum.”
18th Century
English
hummingbird
“A bird named for the humming sound made by its rapidly beating wings.”
Modern English
English
hummingbird
“A small hovering nectar-feeding bird, especially one native to the Americas.”