barn swallow

American  

noun

1. a common swallow, Hirundo rustica, of North America and Eurasia, that nests in barns and similar buildings.

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barn swallow British  

noun

1. the US and Canadian name for the common swallow, Hirundo rustica See swallow 2

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Etymology

Origin of barn swallow

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90

Example Sentences

Two new barn swallow murals by Harlem artist Marthalicia Matarrita had replaced ones badly damaged by graffiti.

From Washington Post • Jul. 7, 2022

Our study suggests that the evolution of female barn swallow songs is more important than the evolution of male songs for explaining why the two sexes sound different.

From Scientific American • May 4, 2022

He said farmers are following biosecurity protocols, going so far as to keep starling and barn swallow nests away from their barns.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 15, 2022

Here Pamuk flits like a barn swallow over fascinating issues of contemporary Turkish life, but never alights long enough to offer interesting insights or even substantially enrich the story.

From New York Times • Oct. 16, 2017

I look up to see a mama barn swallow skitter off from her nest for more food.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera