starling: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal for the bird; technical/historical for the architectural term.
Quick answer
What does “starling” mean?
A medium-sized, dark-coloured songbird with a short tail and pointed wings, often seen in large, noisy flocks, known for its iridescent plumage and ability to mimic sounds.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medium-sized, dark-coloured songbird with a short tail and pointed wings, often seen in large, noisy flocks, known for its iridescent plumage and ability to mimic sounds.
In architecture, a 'starling' refers to a protective structure, often wooden or stone, built around the pier of a bridge to break the flow of water and prevent erosion. This meaning is now largely historical or technical.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning for the bird. The architectural term 'starling' is more likely to be found in UK historical texts. Americans might use 'cutwater' or 'pier protection' for the similar structure.
Connotations
In both varieties, the bird can connote both the beauty of its murmurations and its status as an invasive species (in North America).
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English due to the bird's common presence and cultural references (e.g., 'A murmuration of starlings').
Grammar
How to Use “starling” in a Sentence
The starling [verb: mimicked, sang, flocked, descended].We observed the starlings [verb-ing: murmuring, roosting, feeding].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “starling” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The starling on the rooftop was mimicking a car alarm perfectly.
- Medieval bridge designs often included starlings to protect the piers.
American English
- A huge flock of European starlings descended on the field.
- The old stone starling was covered in moss.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in environmental impact assessments or agriculture (as a pest species).
Academic
Common in ornithology, ecology, zoology, and environmental science papers.
Everyday
Used when discussing garden birds, wildlife, or notable natural phenomena like murmurations.
Technical
The architectural term is used in civil engineering history and heritage conservation.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “starling”
- Misspelling as 'starling' (correct) vs. 'staring' (to look).
- Using 'starling' to refer to any small black bird (e.g., a grackle or crow).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) was introduced to North America in the 19th century and is now considered a widespread invasive species.
The most poetic and specific collective noun is a 'murmuration' of starlings, especially referring to their aerial flocking behavior. A more general term is a 'flock'.
Yes. Starlings are excellent mimics and can imitate a wide variety of sounds, including other bird calls, mechanical noises, and even human speech, though not as proficiently as parrots or mynas.
While both are dark, starlings are smaller with short tails, pointed wings, and iridescent, speckled plumage. Blackbirds (Turdus merula) are larger, have longer tails, uniform black plumage (males), and a distinctive orange-yellow eye-ring and bill.
A medium-sized, dark-coloured songbird with a short tail and pointed wings, often seen in large, noisy flocks, known for its iridescent plumage and ability to mimic sounds.
Starling is usually neutral to formal for the bird; technical/historical for the architectural term. in register.
Starling: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɑː.lɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɑːr.lɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly with 'starling'. Related: 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush' (general bird idiom).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a STAR shining on a small bird with a LINGering song – a STARLING.
Conceptual Metaphor
A STARLING is OFTEN A MIMIC / AN INVASIVE FORCE / A PART OF A COLLECTIVE MIND (in murmurations).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'starling' in an architectural context?