martin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1specialized (ornithology), formal/informal (as a name)
Quick answer
What does “martin” mean?
A type of small songbird belonging to the swallow family (genus Delichon, Progne, or others), often nesting on buildings.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of small songbird belonging to the swallow family (genus Delichon, Progne, or others), often nesting on buildings.
In historical or regional contexts, can also refer to a person named Martin or be used as a surname.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in biological reference. The House Martin (Delichon urbicum) is a familiar species in both regions. The name 'Martin' is equally common in both cultures.
Connotations
The bird connotes summer, migration, and rural/urban nesting. The name is traditional and common.
Frequency
As a bird name, moderate frequency in naturalist contexts; as a proper noun, very high frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “martin” in a Sentence
We saw a [martin] nesting under the eaves.The [martins] have returned earlier this year.[Martins] are insectivorous.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually none, unless in a company name (e.g., Martin & Sons).
Academic
Used in ornithology, zoology, and ecological studies.
Everyday
Primarily when discussing birds or referring to a person.
Technical
Specific to biology for species identification and behavior description.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “martin”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “martin”
- Capitalizing 'martin' when referring to the bird (incorrect: We saw a Martin).
- Using plural 'martins' as a non-count noun (incorrect: We saw a lot of martin).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Martins are a type of swallow. All martins are swallows, but not all swallows are martins; they are different genera within the same family (Hirundinidae).
In North America, 'martin house' specifically refers to a multi-compartment birdhouse designed to attract colonial-nesting Purple Martins.
No. When referring to the bird, it is a common noun (lowercase 'm'). When used as a given name or surname, it is a proper noun (capital 'M').
The name derives from the Roman god Mars. It became popular in Europe due to Saint Martin of Tours, a 4th-century bishop.
A type of small songbird belonging to the swallow family (genus Delichon, Progne, or others), often nesting on buildings.
Martin is usually specialized (ornithology), formal/informal (as a name) in register.
Martin: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɑː.tɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːr.t̬ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MARTIN' as 'MART' (market) + 'IN' – imagine birds flying into a market square to nest.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A for the bird. For the name, can be metaphorically used as an 'everyman' figure (e.g., 'the average Martin').
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'purple martin'?