kinglet

[ king-lit ]

noun

1. a king ruling over a small country or territory.
2. any of several small, greenish, crested birds of the genus Regulus.

kinglet

/ ˈkɪŋlɪt /

noun

1. derogatory.
   the king of a small or insignificant territory
2. any of various small warblers of the genus Regulus, having a black-edged yellow crown: family Muscicapidae

Word History and Origins

Origin of kinglet¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; king + -let

Example Sentences

It’s easier for big birds to keep warm, but some tiny species — like chickadees and kinglets — also are adapted to Northwest winters.

From Seattle Times

The scientific content is enlivened with explorations around Heinrich’s cabin in Maine, as well as results from his own delightfully ghoulish experiments — like heating up a dead kinglet and measuring its cooling rate.

From Seattle Times

Seen here are everyday delights such as chickadees, kinglets and nuthatches, to Cooper’s hawks and even in some years the tiny northern Saw-whet owl, in addition to common barred owls.

From Seattle Times

I want to know the chickadees, bushtits, warblers and finches, barn swallows, wrens and the tiny ruby-crowned kinglet.

From Seattle Times

The lab has created maps so far for 107 species, from easy-to-spot birds such as pelicans, herons, eagles, vultures, robins, blackbirds and swallows to the more elusive warblers, buntings and kinglets.

From Seattle Times