martins: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-LowFormal, Scientific (biological), Neutral (as surname)
Quick answer
What does “martins” mean?
The plural form of 'martin', referring to a type of bird in the swallow family, or a proper noun/surname.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of 'martin', referring to a type of bird in the swallow family, or a proper noun/surname.
A plural noun for various species of songbirds (Hirundinidae). As a proper noun, it can refer to multiple individuals with the surname Martin.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference for the bird species. Regional bird species may have local common names.
Connotations
Primarily neutral. The surname is common and unmarked.
Frequency
More frequent in ornithological contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “martins” in a Sentence
[The/A flock of] martins [verb]The Martins [verb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Surname context: 'Martins & Co. will handle the merger.'
Academic
Ornithology: 'The study observed the nesting habits of sand martins.'
Everyday
Surname or bird-watching: 'The Martins are coming for dinner.' / 'Look, the martins are back this spring.'
Technical
Zoological classification: 'Species of the genus Progne, such as purple martins, are...'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “martins”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “martins”
- Using lowercase for the surname ('the martins' instead of 'the Martins').
- Misspelling as 'martens' (a different animal).
- Using a singular verb with the plural noun ('A martins is...').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While the primary common noun use is for birds, 'Martins' (capitalised) is a common surname in English-speaking countries.
All martins are swallows, but not all swallows are called martins. 'Martin' typically refers to specific genera within the swallow family, often with squarer tails or different nesting habits.
For the birds: 'the martins' nest' (/ˈmɑː.tɪnz nɛst/). For the surname: 'the Martins' house' (pronunciation identical, context distinguishes).
The singular is 'martin'. 'Martins' is the standard plural form for both the bird and the surname when referring to multiple individuals.
The plural form of 'martin', referring to a type of bird in the swallow family, or a proper noun/surname.
Martins is usually formal, scientific (biological), neutral (as surname) in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember 'martins' like 'Martians' - but these are birds, not aliens, visiting your garden.
Conceptual Metaphor
MARTINS ARE SUMMER VISITORS / A FAMILY UNIT (when used as a surname).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'Martins' always capitalised?