birdlime: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/Rare/HistoricalLiterary, Historical, Specialized
Quick answer
What does “birdlime” mean?
A sticky substance spread on twigs to trap small birds, historically used by hunters.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sticky substance spread on twigs to trap small birds, historically used by hunters.
Anything that ensnares or entangles; to trap or catch as if with birdlime.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare in both varieties. The practice and term are archaic.
Connotations
Historical, possibly with negative connotations of cruelty or trickery.
Frequency
Extremely low-frequency. Mostly encountered in historical texts, classic literature, or discussions of old hunting/preservation methods.
Grammar
How to Use “birdlime” in a Sentence
[Noun] to birdlime [birds/animals]be birdlimed (passive)[Noun] acts as birdlime (metaphorical)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “birdlime” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The fowler sought to birdlime thrushes for the market.
- He felt birdlimed by the bureaucracy of the old system.
American English
- Poachers would birdlime migratory songbirds illegally.
- Her guilt birdlimed her to the spot.
adjective
British English
- The birdlime mixture was prepared from holly bark.
- He had a birdlime-like ability to attract trouble.
American English
- They used a birdlime compound on the branches.
- The politician's promises were of a birdlime nature.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in historical/ecological studies discussing traditional hunting or pest control methods.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
In historical reenactment, traditional crafts, ornithology history.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “birdlime”
- Using it as a common synonym for 'glue'. Confusing it with 'quicklime' (calcium oxide).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, its use is almost entirely historical and is illegal in most countries under wildlife protection laws.
Yes, but it is extremely rare and literary, meaning 'to trap or ensnare'.
Traditionally, it was made from the sticky bark of the holly tree or by boiling mistletoe berries.
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialized, and archaic term.
A sticky substance spread on twigs to trap small birds, historically used by hunters.
Birdlime is usually literary, historical, specialized in register.
Birdlime: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɜːdlaɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɜːrdlaɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) sticky as birdlime”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LIME (the fruit) that's not for birds to eat, but to catch BIRDs. BIRD-LIME.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRAPPING IS A STICKY SUBSTANCE / ATTRACTION IS A TRAP.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'birdlime'?