blackbird

American  

[blak-burd] / ˈblækˌbɜrd /

noun

1. a common European thrush, Turdus merula, the male of which is black with a yellow bill.

2. any of several American birds of the family Icteridae, having black plumage.

3. any of several other unrelated birds having black plumage in either or both sexes.

4. History/Historical. a person, especially a Pacific Islander, who was kidnapped and sold into slavery abroad, usually in Australia.

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verb (used with object)

1. to kidnap (a person), as in blackbirding.

verb (used without object)

1. to engage in blackbirding.

blackbird British  

/ ˈblækˌbɜːd /

noun

1. a common European thrush, Turdus merula , in which the male has a black plumage and yellow bill and the female is brown

2. any of various American orioles having a dark plumage, esp any of the genus Agelaius

3. history a person, esp a South Sea Islander, who was kidnapped and sold as a slave, esp in Australia

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verb

1. (tr) (formerly) to kidnap and sell into slavery

Etymology

Origin of blackbird

First recorded in 1480–90; earlier blacke bride; see black, bird

Example Sentences

Expedition organizers Blackbird Mountain Guides on Wednesday said all staff in the group were professionally trained, and urged people to avoid speculating about the circumstances.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

Others chimed in accusing Blackbird of recklessness and profit-chasing and demanding that the company reimburse taxpayers for the expense of the rescue operations.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

The round was led by European venture capital firm Atomico, alongside existing investors including U.K.-based venture capital firm LocalGlobe and U.S. investment manager Blackbird.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 23, 2025

Oscar Hartland, 16, who played Neil the Baby, left the cast "bawling their eyes out" as he performed Blackbird by The Beatles.

From BBC • Oct. 22, 2025

Elleven, Blackbird Ordinary, Baoli, bars with swimming pools and fountains, beautiful men, lights flashing everywhere overhead, beneath your feet, in the corner of your eye.

From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely