warbler

[ wawr-bler ]

noun

1. any of several small, chiefly Old World songbirds of the subfamily Sylviidae. Compare blackcap ( def 1 ), reed warbler.
2. Also called wood warbler. any of numerous small New World songbirds of the family Parulidae, many species of which are brightly colored. Compare yellow warbler.
3. a person or thing that warbles. warble.

warbler

/ ˈwɔːblə /

noun

1. a person or thing that warbles
2. any small active passerine songbird of the Old World subfamily Sylviinae: family Muscicapidae. They have a cryptic plumage and slender bill and are arboreal insectivores
3. Also calledwood warbler any small bird of the American family Parulidae, similar to the Old World forms but often brightly coloured

Word History and Origins

Origin of warbler¹

First recorded in 1605–15; warble ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

But birds that are more sensitive to temperatures — and those whose prey can’t stand the heat — might suffer under persistent warming, such as yellow warblers and Bell’s vireos.

From Los Angeles Times

The most common type found was the palm warbler, of which there were more than 300, followed by the yellow-rumped warbler.

From New York Times

In spring, find western bluebirds, great horned owls and tree frogs, chipmunks, buttercups, warblers and three species of hummingbirds.

From Seattle Times

The former James Bond and “SOS” warbler was ordered to make a $1,000 donation to Yellowstone Forever, a nonprofit organization supporting the park, by April 1 and was also fined $500.

From Los Angeles Times

Her depictions of their habits and foibles are laced with considerable wit — and subjective assessments: “rascally” California scrub jays, “voracious” Townsend’s warblers, “solitary nonconformist” hermit thrushes, murderous crows, fiercely competitive hummingbirds.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• artist
• crooner
• diva
• musician
• soloist
• vocalist
• voice