starling

noun

star·​ling ˈstär-liŋ How to pronounce starling (audio)
: any of a family (Sturnidae, especially genus Sturnus) of usually dark gregarious oscine birds
especially : a dark brown or in summer glossy greenish-black European bird (S. vulgaris) naturalized nearly worldwide and often considered a pest

Examples of starling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The mesmerizing phenomenon of flock of starlings shifting into different shapes is known as murmuration. Naomi Schanen, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2024 Art is long, life is short and starlings are immeasurable. Lisa Robertson Anne Boyer, New York Times, 24 Aug. 2023 Other shots featured include a group of penguins socializing in Antarctica’s Atka Bay, as well as a photo of a group of starlings forming into the shape of a giant bird in the sky. Nicholas Rice, Peoplemag, 3 Dec. 2023 The starlings also gather to keep warm at night and to exchange information, such as good feeding areas. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023 Three species—starlings, blue jays and gray catbirds—had emerged as the most adept vocal learners, according to a statement. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Sep. 2023 From the blackbirds with red shoulder pads to the murmuration-forming starlings, these birds have plenty to recommend them, including their warbles, chirps, and whistles. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2023 The last poet and the last starling will probably be found together, and for good reason — in the strange grace of starlings, lyric possibility is made concrete. Lisa Robertson Anne Boyer, New York Times, 24 Aug. 2023 In 1890, the chairman of the American Acclimatization Society devoted to introducing European plants and animals here released 60 European starlings in New York State. Diane Bell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'starling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English stærlinc, from stær starling + -ling, -linc -ling; akin to Old High German stara starling, Latin sturnus

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of starling was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near starling

Cite this Entry

“Starling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/starling. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

starling

noun
star·​ling ˈstär-liŋ How to pronounce starling (audio)
: any of a family of usually dark-colored birds that tend to flock together
especially : a dark brown or in summer glossy greenish black European bird that has been brought to the U.S. and is often considered a pest

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