house sparrow

noun

1. a small, hardy, buffy-brown and gray bird, Passer domesticus, of Europe, introduced into America, Australia, etc.

house sparrow

noun

1. a small Eurasian weaverbird, Passer domesticus, now established in North America and Australia. It has a brown streaked plumage with grey underparts Also called (US)English sparrow

Word History and Origins

Origin of house sparrow¹

First recorded in 1665–75

Example Sentences

“Urban birds” associated with humans, such as pigeons, European starlings and house sparrows, will likely continue to survive.

From Los Angeles Times

For her, it was the common house sparrow, which she would observe before heading to her job teaching journalism at Loyola University New Orleans when it reopened in January 2006, five months after Katrina.

From Los Angeles Times

They concluded that in agricultural areas, species of greater conservation concern, like the oak titmouse, would see worse outcomes than species of lower concern, like the house sparrow.

From Seattle Times

The researchers spotted a house sparrow and pulled binoculars to their eyes.

From Los Angeles Times

Even the common birds around here, like the grackles and house sparrows — they’re so fun to watch.

From New York Times