birdseed: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal, everyday; occasionally metaphorical in informal contexts.
Quick answer
What does “birdseed” mean?
A mixture of seeds used as food for birds, particularly those kept as pets or fed in gardens.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mixture of seeds used as food for birds, particularly those kept as pets or fed in gardens.
Any inexpensive or trivial resource; something of little value or importance; a metaphorical term for small change or trivial provisions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: both use 'birdseed' (solid compound). Lexical: UK may occasionally use 'bird food' as a broader term; US tends to use 'birdseed' specifically for seed mixtures.
Connotations
Similar neutral-to-slight positive connotations (caring for wildlife). Metaphorical use ('paying in birdseed') slightly more common in US informal speech.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in US due to more common backyard bird feeding culture; in UK, 'bird food' may be slightly more common in retail contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “birdseed” in a Sentence
[Subject] buys/scatters/sells birdseed[Subject] is birdseed (metaphorical)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in pet supply retail.
Academic
Virtually absent except in ornithology or agriculture studies.
Everyday
Common in domestic/gardening contexts.
Technical
Used in pet care, wildlife management, agriculture.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “birdseed”
- Using as countable noun ('a birdseed' incorrect).
- Confusing with 'bird feed' (broader category).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an uncountable (mass) noun. You say 'some birdseed' or 'a bag of birdseed', not 'a birdseed'.
'Birdseed' specifically refers to a mixture of seeds. 'Bird food' is a broader term that can include seeds, suet, pellets, and other forms of nourishment.
No, 'birdseed' is not conventionally used as a verb in standard English.
It is recognised but relatively rare, mostly found in informal speech to indicate something trivial or of little value.
A mixture of seeds used as food for birds, particularly those kept as pets or fed in gardens.
Birdseed is usually informal, everyday; occasionally metaphorical in informal contexts. in register.
Birdseed: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɜːdsiːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɝːdsiːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “not worth a bag of birdseed”
- “pay in birdseed (pay very little)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BIRD + SEED = exactly what it is: seed for birds.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRIVIALITY IS BIRDSEED (e.g., 'His opinion is birdseed').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'birdseed' used metaphorically?