house sparrow

American  

noun

1. a small, hardy, buffy-brown and gray bird, Passer domesticus, of Europe, introduced into America, Australia, etc.

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house sparrow British  

noun

1. Also called (US): English sparrow.  a small Eurasian weaverbird, Passer domesticus, now established in North America and Australia. It has a brown streaked plumage with grey underparts

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Etymology

Origin of house sparrow

First recorded in 1665–75

Example Sentences

The top three birds in Kent and West Sussex were the house sparrow, blue tit and Starling, while in East Sussex they were the house sparrow, blue tit and wood pigeon.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

They concluded that in agricultural areas, species of greater conservation concern, like the oak titmouse, would see worse outcomes than species of lower concern, like the house sparrow.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 19, 2023

The researchers spotted a house sparrow and pulled binoculars to their eyes.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2023

The situation is so bad for eastern bluebirds that the North American Bluebird Society recommends removing and destroying house sparrow eggs from bluebird boxes and trapping adult house sparrows.

From New York Times • Jun. 2, 2023

A small house sparrow came by, and she chased it.

From "Frightful's Mountain" by Jean Craighead George