myna

or my·nah, mi·na, mi·nah

[ mahy-nuh ]

noun

1. any of several Asian birds of the starling family Sturnidae, especially those of the genera Acridotheres and Gracula, certain species of which have the ability to mimic speech and are kept as pets.

Word History and Origins

Origin of myna¹

First recorded in 1760–70, myna is from the Hindi word mainā

Example Sentences

A few agitated myna birds chirp from their perches on palm trees that have been singed into matchsticks, the carcasses of other birds and several cats scattered below them in the streets.

From New York Times

Branches splay out widely and become roosting places for choirs of myna birds.

From Seattle Times

Villagers get assistance in obtaining permits to breed Bali mynas there.

From Washington Post

He didn’t give a myna’s hoot if his social conscience was out of date — he delighted in being on the far side of conservatism, leaking prejudice.

From New York Times

Ellington was famous for using street sounds in his music: car horns, church moans, train whistles, even a myna bird that he heard singing outside a hotel on tour in the Middle East.

From Washington Post