barn swallow

noun

1. a common swallow, Hirundo rustica, of North America and Eurasia, that nests in barns and similar buildings.

barn swallow

noun

1. the US and Canadian name for the common swallow, Hirundo rustica See swallow 2

Word History and Origins

Origin of barn swallow¹

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90

Example Sentences

I look up to see a mama barn swallow skitter off from her nest for more food.

From Literature

In April, nine months after the fire, Barn Swallow Gardens — named for the birds that return each spring after long migrations — began delivering flowers through a subscription service.

From Los Angeles Times

Photographer’s description: “I was at the Nisqually wildlife refuge with my camera set up for photographing herons and eagles. This barn swallow let me get close and ‘fill the frame’ for this portrait shot.

From Seattle Times

Two new barn swallow murals by Harlem artist Marthalicia Matarrita had replaced ones badly damaged by graffiti.

From Washington Post

That is one conclusion of our 2020 study on one of the most abundant, widespread, well-studied bird species in the world: the barn swallow.

From Scientific American