catbird: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal, idiomatic (for the extended meaning); formal/ornithological (for the core meaning)
Quick answer
What does “catbird” mean?
A medium-sized North American songbird with mostly grey or black plumage, known for its cat-like mewing call.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medium-sized North American songbird with mostly grey or black plumage, known for its cat-like mewing call.
A person in a position of advantage or superiority, stemming from the idiom 'in the catbird seat.'
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The bird species (Dumetella carolinensis) is native to North America, so the term is far more common in American English. The idiom 'in the catbird seat' is predominantly American.
Connotations
In American English, the bird connotes its distinctive call and common backyard presence; the idiom connotes a favorable, controlling position. In British English, the term is largely recognized only in ornithological contexts or as an Americanism.
Frequency
Low frequency in UK; medium-low in US, with a spike in usage when the idiom is employed.
Grammar
How to Use “catbird” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] catbird [V-sounds/sang/called].[SUBJ] is sitting in the catbird seat.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “catbird” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A. 'Catbird' is not used as a verb in standard British English.
American English
- N/A. 'Catbird' is not used as a verb in standard American English.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A. 'Catbird' is not used as a standard adjective.
American English
- The 'catbird seat' is a fixed adjectival/noun phrase.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
'After the merger, our CEO is firmly in the catbird seat.'
Academic
The study monitored the foraging behavior of the Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis).
Everyday
We have a catbird that nests in our hedge every summer.
Technical
Catbirds are known for their exceptional ability to mimic other bird species as part of their vocal repertoire.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “catbird”
- Using 'catbird' as a general term for any wild cat or bird. Confusing it with 'copycat.' Forgetting the definite article in the idiom: 'He is in catbird seat' (incorrect) vs. 'He is in the catbird seat' (correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a bird. It gets its name from its distinctive call, which resembles the mewing of a cat.
No, 'catbird' is exclusively a noun in standard English usage.
It was popularized by American sportscaster Red Barber and later by author James Thurber. It evokes the idea of a bird singing loudly and prominently from a high, superior perch.
No, it is a native species of North America. It is a rare vagrant to Western Europe and would not be part of the typical British bird fauna.
A medium-sized North American songbird with mostly grey or black plumage, known for its cat-like mewing call.
Catbird is usually informal, idiomatic (for the extended meaning); formal/ornithological (for the core meaning) in register.
Catbird: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkatbəːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkætˌbɝːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in the catbird seat”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A bird that sounds like a CAT. Imagine a cat sitting in a bird's nest, now in the superior position.
Conceptual Metaphor
ADVANTAGE IS A HIGH/SUPERIOR POSITION (as in 'the catbird seat').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'catbird'?