mockingbird: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Specialised Vocabulary)Specialised (Ornithology), Literary (Symbolic Usage), Semi-formal/Informal (General Use).
Quick answer
What does “mockingbird” mean?
A North American songbird of the mimid family, known for its ability to mimic the calls of other birds and various sounds.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A North American songbird of the mimid family, known for its ability to mimic the calls of other birds and various sounds.
Symbolically, a person or entity that imitates or repeats the words or actions of others, often without original thought or critical reflection.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The bird is native to the Americas, making the term more common in North American English. In British English, it's a recognised term but less frequently encountered in everyday life, often associated with American culture/literature.
Connotations
US: Strong association with the Southern US, innocence (from the novel), and mimicry. UK: Primarily known through the novel and as an exotic bird; the mimicry aspect is the dominant connotation.
Frequency
High frequency in US English due to native species and cultural references. Medium-to-low frequency in UK English, largely literary or scientific.
Grammar
How to Use “mockingbird” in a Sentence
The [adj] mockingbird [verb, e.g., mimicked, sang]To hear/see/spot a mockingbirdSymbolised by the mockingbirdAs [adj] as a mockingbirdVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mockingbird” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The mockingbird's repertoire included imitations of car alarms and mobile ringtones.
- He cited the novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird' in his essay on Southern Gothic literature.
American English
- A mockingbird sang all night outside my window in Texas.
- The state bird of Texas is the northern mockingbird.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical in 'mockingbird strategy' – imitating a competitor's successful moves.
Academic
Common in literature studies (symbolism), ornithology, and American studies.
Everyday
Used when discussing birds, American wildlife, or the famous novel.
Technical
Specific in ornithology for species classification and behavioural studies of vocal mimicry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mockingbird”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mockingbird”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mockingbird”
- Misspelling as 'mockinbird' or 'mokingbird'.
- Using 'mockingbird' to refer to any mimicking bird globally (e.g., lyrebird).
- Confusing with 'nightingale' (a different symbolic bird).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. They are from completely different bird families. Parrots are tropical psittacines known for intelligence and sometimes mimicking human speech. Mockingbirds are New World passerines that mimic other birds and environmental sounds.
In the novel, Atticus Finch tells his children that killing mockingbirds is a sin because they do nothing but sing for our enjoyment. The mockingbird becomes a powerful symbol for innocent beings (like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley) who are harmed by society's prejudice and cruelty.
While exceptional mimics of bird calls and mechanical noises, mockingbirds very rarely, if ever, convincingly mimic human speech, unlike parrots or mynah birds.
They can be territorially aggressive during breeding season, especially towards cats, birds of prey, or humans who get too close to their nest. They are known for 'dive-bombing' intruders.
A North American songbird of the mimid family, known for its ability to mimic the calls of other birds and various sounds.
Mockingbird is usually specialised (ornithology), literary (symbolic usage), semi-formal/informal (general use). in register.
Mockingbird: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɒk.ɪŋ.bɜːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑː.kɪŋ.bɝːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a sin to kill a mockingbird. (From Harper Lee's novel, meaning it's wrong to harm the innocent.)”
- “A mockingbird in a cage. (Symbolising a talented or free spirit being constrained.)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a bird sitting on a **mock** throne, **mocking** (imitating) the king's speech. Mock-ing-bird.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MOCKINGBIRD IS A MIRROR / THE MOCKINGBIRD IS AN INNOCENT VICTIM.
Practice
Quiz
In Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird', what does the mockingbird primarily symbolise?