starling Hear it!

starling Definition

star·ling (stärliŋ)

noun

any of an Old World family (Sturnidae) of dark-colored passerine birds with a short tail, long wings, and a sharp, pointed bill; esp., the common starling (Sturnus vulgaris) with iridescent plumage, introduced into the U.S., where it is now often a pest

Etymology: ME < OE stærlinc, dim. of stær, starling < IE *stor(n)os, starling, bird with similar cry > L sturnus

starling Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • see: Cape Glossy Starling Lamprotornis nitens The most commonly seen glossy starling in most of Namibia.
  • whistle: The powerful wrens, cheerful chaffinches, delicate sparrows and whistling starlings then weave in melodies, sweet enough to rouse the sun.
  • have: Did you know that Mozart had a pet starling?
  • find: It's coming home from work and finding an adult starling in your living room I don't like.

Adjective modifier

  • spotless: Spotless starling: Widespread Rock Sparrow: one on minor road 5 km southeast of Torralba.
  • glossy: Cape Glossy Starling Lamprotornis nitens The most commonly seen glossy starling in most of Namibia.
  • European: I am now pursuing a DPhil under the guidance of Dr. Ben Sheldon, studying parental investment in the European starling.
  • young: A young starling begs to be fed by the adult on the insect treat fat block.
  • blue-eared: Greater blue-eared glossy starling -- Up to 15 along the Atlantic Road.
  • common: Spotless Starling ( Sturnus unicolor ) Widespread, but never in big groups or colonies like the common starling.

Modifies a noun

  • contrast: Her arms and hands formed a starling contrast to the remainder of the ensemble.. .
  • sturnus: No native passerine have been recorded, but redpoll Acanthis flammea and common starling Sturnus vulgaris are both widespread and common.
  • vulgaris: No native passerine have been recorded, but redpoll Acanthis flammea and common starling Sturnus vulgaris are both widespread and common.
  • flock: The estimated number of birds in the starling flock is 10,000, Some flock!

Browse dictionary entries near starling

  1. starlike
  2. starlight
  3. starlet
  4. starless
  5. starkers
  6. stark-naked
  7. Stark, Jürgen
  8. stark
  9. staring
  10. stargazer
  1. starlit
  2. starred
  3. starry
  4. starry-eyed
  5. Stars and Bars
  6. Stars and Stripes
  7. starship
  8. start
  9. start bit
  10. start in