bird

/bɜːrd/
noun★Beginner
◆ What It Really Means
In informal contexts, 'bird' can refer to a person, often a woman, in British English.
Literal Meaning
A feathered, winged animal.
Literal Breakdown
birdA feathered, winged animal.
◇ Mental Image
The image of a person being compared to a bird, often implying grace or attractiveness.
◈ When to Use
In a casual conversation, someone might say, 'She's a lovely bird,' meaning she is attractive or charming.
◉ Cultural Note
The use of 'bird' to refer to a person is more common in British English and can be considered informal or even slightly dated.
general

A warm-blooded, egg-laying animal with feathers, wings, and a beak, capable of flight (in most species).

The bird flew gracefully across the sky.

The sparrow perched on the windowsill.

💡

The term 'bird' can also be used colloquially to refer to a person, especially in informal contexts.

Collocations

bird of preyA bird that hunts other animals for food, such as eagles or hawks.free as a birdCompletely free or unrestricted, often used metaphorically to describe a carefree state.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

bird's-eye viewphrase
A view from above, as if seen from the perspective of a bird.
kill two birds with one stoneidiom
To accomplish two tasks with a single action.

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

'Bird' is a general term for feathered, winged animals. Avoid using it to refer to mammals or reptiles.

⚡Gold Rule

Avoid Confusion

Do not confuse 'bird' with 'birdie' (a small bird or a term in golf) or 'birdbrain' (a colloquial term for a foolish person).

📖Word Origin

Old English 'brid', from Proto-Germanic 'brēdaz', meaning 'bird, fledgling'. Related to Old Norse 'brǫðr' and Old High German 'brāt'.

📝Usage Notes

In informal contexts, 'bird' can also refer to a person, particularly in British English (e.g., 'She's a lovely bird').

Word Breakdown

bird
A feathered, winged animal.
root
English Dictionary