Mynah
/ˈmaɪ.nə/noun
A starling-like bird of South and Southeast Asia, especially one able to imitate human speech.
Did you know?Mynah comes through Hindi mainā from Sanskrit madana, a bird name connected with the Sanskrit root mad, meaning “to rejoice” or “be intoxicated.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*medʰu-
“Honey or an intoxicating drink; a proposed deep ancestor associated with intoxication and sweetness”
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
mad-
“To rejoice, delight, or become intoxicated”
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
madana
“A bird name, literally associated with delight or intoxication”
Medieval Hindi
Hindi
mainā
“The mynah or Indian starling”
18th Century
English
mynah
“An English borrowing for the bird”
Modern English
English
mynah
“A starling-like bird, often noted for its ability to mimic speech”