birdman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal
Quick answer
What does “birdman” mean?
A person, typically male, with an exceptionally strong interest in, knowledge of, or connection to birds.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person, typically male, with an exceptionally strong interest in, knowledge of, or connection to birds; sometimes specifically an ornithologist.
A person who can fly or believes they can fly (especially in myths or comic books); a nickname or title for aviators or pilots in early 20th century slang; a performer or person who works with birds (e.g., a falconer).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The 'aviator' sense is equally historical in both. Possibly more likely to be used literally (ornithologist) in UK, while US may have stronger pop culture association.
Connotations
In both, can imply eccentricity or deep specialization. Neutral or slightly humorous when informal.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both varieties. Mostly found in specific contexts (nicknames, historical texts, pop culture).
Grammar
How to Use “birdman” in a Sentence
[Article/possessive] + birdmanBirdman of + [Place/Group]Birdman + [verb: flies/knows/studies]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “birdman” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard; no verb form in use.)
American English
- (Not standard; no verb form in use.)
adverb
British English
- (No adverb form.)
American English
- (No adverb form.)
adjective
British English
- (Not standard; attributive use rare.) He had a birdman-like knowledge of local species.
American English
- (Not standard; attributive use rare.) The birdman competition drew a crowd.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare; informal term for an ornithologist, not in formal papers.
Everyday
Informal nickname or humorous description of someone obsessed with birds.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts. Ornithology uses 'ornithologist'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “birdman”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “birdman”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “birdman”
- Using it as a formal job title (use 'ornithologist').
- Confusing the historical 'aviator' sense with the modern 'bird enthusiast' sense.
- Capitalising incorrectly when not a proper noun/title.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an informal term. The formal equivalent is 'ornithologist'.
While traditionally masculine, it can refer to anyone. The feminine equivalent 'birdwoman' exists but is even rarer.
It is a humorous sporting event where contestants build and pilot human-powered flying machines, often crashing into water.
Robert Stroud, a federal prisoner, became a self-taught expert on birds and their diseases while in solitary confinement, earning him this nickname.
A person, typically male, with an exceptionally strong interest in, knowledge of, or connection to birds.
Birdman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɜːd.mæn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɝːd.mæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The Birdman of Alcatraz (nickname of prisoner Robert Stroud)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MAN who can talk to BIRDS, like a superhero or a very dedicated scientist.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMAN IS BIRD (through knowledge, affinity, or flight capability).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely modern meaning of 'birdman'?