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Synonyms

avian

American  
[ay-vee-uhn] / ˈeɪ vi ən /

adjective

  1. of or relating to birds.


avian British  
/ ˈeɪvɪən /

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or resembling a bird

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

avian Scientific  
/ ā′vē-ən /
  1. Relating to birds.


Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of avian

First recorded in 1865–70; avi- + -an


Explanation

Anything avian relates to birds. Avian flu is the bird flu, which birds can pass to humans. Someone who flies a plane is an aviator, and that may help you remember that avian things have to do with birds. Feathers are part of avian anatomy. Laying eggs is the avian method of reproduction. Bird-watchers are avian experts who know how to tell birds apart. Ornithologists are also avian experts: they’re scientists who study birds.

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Vocabulary lists containing avian

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

A BAS team sailed for 15 days to reach the island and study its avian inhabitants, using drones, aerial photography and fitting tracking devices to 20 birds.

From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026

Some at the memorial took solace in seeing so many like-minded devotees come out to the serene mountain setting to remember the avian matriarch.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 4, 2026

The bassist’s composition “The Bluesy Bird in Bob’s Backyard” draws its inspiration from avian visitors to Mr. Hurst’s home in Michigan.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2026

Indeed, your avian visitors may complain if you give them fewer tasty treats or stop feeding them altogether.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 24, 2026

“Here you go, as many books as you could want on the topic of avian wonder.”

From "Sparrow" by Sarah Moon

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