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• phoebe
  phoebe

  noun

  any of several small American flycatchers of the genus Sayornis, especially S. phoebe, of eastern North America.
• Phoebe
  Phoebe

  noun

  a Titan, daughter of Uranus and Gaia and mother of Leto, later identified with Artemis and with the Roman goddess Diana.

phoebe

¹ American  

[fee-bee] / ˈfi bi /

noun

1. any of several small American flycatchers of the genus Sayornis, especially S. phoebe, of eastern North America.

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Phoebe ² American  

[fee-bee] / ˈfi bi /

noun

1. Classical Mythology. a Titan, daughter of Uranus and Gaia and mother of Leto, later identified with Artemis and with the Roman goddess Diana.

2. Astronomy. one of the moons of Saturn.

3. Literary. the moon personified.

4. a female given name.

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Phoebe ¹ British  

/ ˈfiːbɪ /

noun

1. classical myth a Titaness, who later became identified with Artemis (Diana) as goddess of the moon

2. poetic a personification of the moon

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Phoebe ² British  

/ ˈfiːbɪ /

noun

1. the outermost satellite of the planet Saturn. It has retrograde motion and a dark surface

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phoebe ³ British  

/ ˈfiːbɪ /

noun

1. any of several greyish-brown North American flycatchers of the genus Sayornis, such as S. phoebe ( eastern phoebe )

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Etymology

Origin of phoebe¹

1690–1700, imitative; spelling by influence of Phoebe

Origin of Phoebe²

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English Phebe, Phebee, from Latin Phoebē, from Greek Phoíbē, feminine of phoîbos “shining, radiant, bright”; see Phoebus ( def. ) 

Explanation

Phoebes are small songbirds that belong to the tyrant flycatcher family. They are found in North America, and most phoebes have grayish-brown feathers and short, pointed bills they use to catch insects. Birds in the tyrant flycatcher family are so called because they are surprisingly territorial for such small birds. Phoebes boldly defend their hunting perches and nesting sites, chasing away intruders, calling loudly and repeatedly to warn rivals, and dive-bombing predators. Phoebes perch on fence posts, branches, or ledges, wagging their tails and watching for flying insects to eat. They make short, darting flights to catch them. Their name comes from their raspy, two-note call, which sounds like "fee-bee," and was originally spelled phebe.

Example Sentences

“Primetime,” which also stars Phoebe Bridgers making her feature film debut, hits theaters this fall.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

The novel alternates between the perspectives of Kate and the TV show’s writer, Phoebe.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

At their feet, a regal Airedale terrier named Phoebe lounges, looking as though she belongs in an oil painting.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

In January 2025, Phoebe fell down the stairs, which led to three months in hospital and inconclusive tests.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

“Amen,” said Homer Hindman and Phoebe Tolbert and then a chorus of folks.

From Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles