songless

[ sawng-lis, song- ]

adjective

1. devoid of song; lacking the power of a song, as a bird.

Other Words From

• songless·ly adverb
• songless·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of songless¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; song + -less

Example Sentences

They are a songless tribe, although their quick, reiterated call as they take to flight has given them the name of chatterers.

From Project Gutenberg

The males, who sing, have more white on the wings and tail than the females, who are songless.

From Project Gutenberg

While the Flycatchers are therefore technically classed as songless birds, it does not follow that they have no songs.

From Project Gutenberg

The poet wonders what "songless tongueless ghost of sin crept through the curtains of the night."

From Project Gutenberg

That, then, is another of the supposed songless birds added to the list of singers.

From Project Gutenberg