birdbath: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, but standard.
Quick answer
What does “birdbath” mean?
A shallow basin or bowl filled with water, typically placed on a pedestal in a garden or yard, for birds to drink from and bathe in.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A shallow basin or bowl filled with water, typically placed on a pedestal in a garden or yard, for birds to drink from and bathe in.
The term can be extended metaphorically to describe any shallow container or puddle where birds might gather water, or used humorously to describe a very small, shallow pool or bath for humans.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. The object is identically named and conceptualised in both cultures.
Connotations
Connotations are universally positive, associated with nature, gardening, and attracting wildlife. Slightly more common in suburban/domestic contexts.
Frequency
Frequency is similar, though possibly slightly higher in American English due to the popularity of backyard birdwatching and related products.
Grammar
How to Use “birdbath” in a Sentence
[Subject] cleans/fills the birdbath.A birdbath [Verb: sits/stands] in the garden.We bought a [Adjective] birdbath for the lawn.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “birdbath” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The robin was birdbathing in the morning sun.
- We watched the sparrows birdbath in the shallow puddle.
American English
- The finches are birdbathing in the fountain.
- He set up the dish so the jays could birdbath.
adverb
British English
- [Not a standard adverb form; no natural examples.]
American English
- [Not a standard adverb form; no natural examples.]
adjective
British English
- The birdbath water was murky.
- We have a birdbath maintenance routine.
American English
- She bought a new birdbath heater for winter.
- The birdbath design was very ornate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in gardening retail or manufacturing contexts.
Academic
Rare, except in specific studies of garden ecology, wildlife behaviour, or material culture.
Everyday
Common in domestic and gardening contexts.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “birdbath”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “birdbath”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “birdbath”
- Misspelling as 'bird bath' (two words) is common but 'birdbath' (one word or hyphenated) is standard.
- Confusing with 'bird feeder'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly written as one word ('birdbath'), though the hyphenated form 'bird-bath' is also sometimes seen. The two-word version is considered less standard.
It is recommended to clean a birdbath every few days to prevent the growth of algae and the spread of disease among birds. Scrub it with a brush and rinse thoroughly.
A birdbath provides water for drinking and bathing. A bird feeder provides solid food, such as seeds, nuts, or suet.
Yes, but the water will freeze. Special heated birdbaths or birdbath heaters are available to provide liquid water for birds during cold weather, which is crucial for their survival.
A shallow basin or bowl filled with water, typically placed on a pedestal in a garden or yard, for birds to drink from and bathe in.
Birdbath is usually informal, but standard. in register.
Birdbath: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɜːd.bɑːθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɝːd.bæθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'birdbath']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the two parts: BIRDS take a BATH in it. It's a bath for birds.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BATH IS A CONTAINER FOR LIQUID (extended to animals).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a birdbath?