meadow bird: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary/Poetic, Informal, Occasionally Technical (Ecology/Ornithology)
Quick answer
What does “meadow bird” mean?
A bird species that typically inhabits, feeds, or nests in meadows or grassland habitats.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A bird species that typically inhabits, feeds, or nests in meadows or grassland habitats.
Sometimes used as a general or poetic term for any bird commonly seen in open grassy fields, though it can refer specifically to species like the Meadowlark or Skylark. In ornithology, it is not a formal taxonomic classification but a descriptive habitat-based label.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar, but specific birds referred to informally as 'meadow birds' may differ by region (e.g., in the UK, 'skylark' or 'meadow pipit'; in the US, 'eastern meadowlark' or 'bobolink'). The term itself is not common in highly technical registers in either variety.
Connotations
Both carry pastoral, countryside associations. Slightly more likely in American English in casual nature observation (e.g., birdwatching).
Frequency
Rare in both varieties as a fixed compound. More frequent as a descriptive phrase ('a bird of the meadow').
Grammar
How to Use “meadow bird” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] meadow bird [V] in the field.We saw/heard a meadow bird [V-ing].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meadow bird” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Rarely used adjectivally. Possibly 'meadow-bird habitat'.]
American English
- [Rarely used adjectivally. Possibly 'meadow-bird conservation'.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used descriptively in ecology, environmental science, or literary studies papers discussing habitat or pastoral imagery.
Everyday
Used in casual conversation about nature, countryside walks, or birdwatching.
Technical
Used informally in ornithology or conservation to describe birds of grassland biomes, but species' scientific or common names are preferred.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meadow bird”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “meadow bird”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meadow bird”
- Using it as a formal biological classification (incorrect). Capitalising it as if it were a proper name (e.g., 'Meadow Bird' – usually incorrect). Overusing it instead of the specific bird's name.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a general descriptive term for birds that live in meadows. It refers to a habitat type, not a specific species.
It is acceptable for descriptive or general passages, but for precision, you should use the specific bird's common or scientific name (e.g., 'Sturnella magna' instead of just 'meadow bird').
'Songbird' is a broad taxonomic grouping of perching birds known for vocalisations. A 'meadow bird' is defined by its habitat. A meadow bird can be a songbird (e.g., a lark), but not all songbirds are meadow birds.
No, it is relatively uncommon as a fixed compound. It is more often used as a free phrase ('a bird of the meadow'). Its frequency is low.
A bird species that typically inhabits, feeds, or nests in meadows or grassland habitats.
Meadow bird is usually literary/poetic, informal, occasionally technical (ecology/ornithology) in register.
Meadow bird: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmed.əʊ ˌbɜːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmed.oʊ ˌbɝːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms with this specific compound. The word 'meadow' appears in idioms like 'a walk in the meadow,' but not with 'meadow bird.']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MEADOW (a grassy field) + a BIRD singing. Picture a bird sitting on a fence post in the middle of a sunny meadow.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEADOW BIRD AS SYMBOL OF FREEDOM/RURAL SIMPLICITY (The meadow bird's song represents untroubled, natural life.)
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'meadow bird' LEAST likely to be used?