titmouse

[ tit-mous ]

noun

, plural tit·mice [tit, -mahys].

1. any of numerous, widely distributed, small songbirds of the family Paridae, especially of the genus Parus, having soft, thick plumage and a short, stout, conical bill.

titmouse

/ ˈtɪtˌmaʊs /

noun

1. usually plural any small active songbird of the family Paridae, esp those of the genus Parus See tit 1

Word History and Origins

Origin of titmouse¹

1275–1325; Middle English tit ( e ) mose ( tit ¹ ); mose, Old English māse titmouse; cognate with German Meise titmouse, Old Norse meis- in meisingr kind of bird; modern mouse by folk etymology

Word History and Origins

Origin of titmouse¹

C14 titemous, from tite (see tit ¹) + mouse

Example Sentences

Some tiny birds called titmice take bold risks to gather a beakful of hair for their nests.

From Science News For Students

While most published accounts involve titmice in North America, at least five other bird species get in on the action.

From Science News

But it is at the former, sharply whistled as the crested titmouse gives it, that every dog pricks up his ears.

From Project Gutenberg

"A noisy titmouse is Jack Frost's trumpeter" may be one of those few weather-wise proverbs with a grain of truth in them.

From Project Gutenberg

The habits of this large Titmouse are almost identical with those of Chickadees.

From Project Gutenberg

But compare what he makes of his meeting with his titmouse with what Cowper or Burns makes of the like kind of incident!

From Project Gutenberg

You know we can't be trifled with; we must look after the interests of—Titmouse.

From Project Gutenberg