chimney swift

noun

1. an American swift, Chateura pelagica, which often builds its nest in an unused chimney.

chimney swift

noun

1. a North American swift, Chaetura pelagica, that nests in chimneys and similar hollows

Word History and Origins

Origin of chimney swift¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

The chimney swift is, properly speaking, not a swallow at all, though chimney swallow is its more popular name.

From Project Gutenberg

The chimney swift has learned to nest in chimneys since the Pilgrims landed; for there were no chimneys before that time.

From Project Gutenberg

The smooth chimney swift flashes above the barn and is gone.

From Project Gutenberg

The eave swallow and barn swallow and the chimney swift all belie their names in the few wild haunts still uninvaded by man.

From Project Gutenberg

On the wing the chimney swift looks like an athlete stripped for the race.

From Project Gutenberg