oriole

[ awr-ee-ohl, ohr- ]

noun

1. any of several usually brightly colored, passerine birds of the family Oriolidae, of the Old World. Compare golden oriole.
2. any of several brightly colored passerine birds of the family Icteridae, of the New World.

oriole

/ ˈɔːrɪˌəʊl /

noun

1. any songbird of the mainly tropical Old World family Oriolidae, such as Oriolus oriolus ( golden oriole ), having a long pointed bill and a mostly yellow-and-black plumage
2. any American songbird of the family Icteridae, esp those of the genus Icterus, such as the Baltimore oriole, with a typical male plumage of black with either orange or yellow

Word History and Origins

Origin of oriole¹

1770–80; < French oriol, Old French < Medieval Latin oriolus, variant of Latin aureolus golden, equivalent to aure ( us ) golden (derivative of aurum gold) + -olus -ole ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of oriole¹

C18: from Medieval Latin oryolus, from Latin aureolus, diminutive of aureus, from aurum gold

Example Sentences

There's also some evidence that an animal's diet can trigger the condition in some species, such as Baltimore orioles.

From National Geographic

The Scott’s oriole, a black-and-yellow bird inhabiting the Southwest and Mexico, will also receive a new moniker, which will sever ties to the U.S.

From New York Times

Fountains spout, hummingbirds and orioles dart and mountains rise in the background.

From Seattle Times

Chimney swift, northern flicker, fish crow, killdeer, Baltimore oriole and gray catbird among them.

From Seattle Times

The Baltimore oriole that arrives in the yard next to mine every May 1 or 2 and starts advertising his availability for a mate.

From New York Times