Wren

¹

[ren]

noun

(sometimes lowercase)

1. a member of the Wrens.

Wren

²

[ren]

noun

1. Sir Christopher, 1632–1723, English architect.

2. Percival Christopher, 1885–1941, English novelist.

wren

³

[ren]

noun

1. any of numerous small, active songbirds of the family Troglodytidae, especially Troglodytes troglodytes, of the Northern Hemisphere, having dark-brown plumage barred with black and a short, upright tail.

2. any of various similar, unrelated birds, especially any of several Old World warblers.

wren

¹

/ rɛn /

noun

1. any small brown passerine songbird of the chiefly American family Troglodytidae, esp Troglodytes troglodytes ( wren in Britain, winter wren in the US and Canada). They have a slender bill and feed on insects

2. any of various similar birds of the families Muscicapidae (Australian warblers), Xenicidae (New Zealand wrens), etc

Wren

²

/ rɛn /

noun

1. informal,  history (in Britain and certain other nations) a member of the former Women's Royal Naval Service

Wren

³

/ rɛn /

noun

1. Sir Christopher. 1632–1723, English architect. He designed St Paul's Cathedral and over 50 other London churches after the Great Fire as well as many secular buildings

Word History and Origins

Origin of Wren¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Origin of Wren²

before 900; Middle English wrenn ( e ), Old English wrenna, obscurely akin to Old High German wrendilo, Old Norse rindill

Word History and Origins

Origin of Wren¹

Old English wrenna, werna; related to Old High German wrendo, rentilo, Old Norse rindill

Origin of Wren²

C20: from the abbreviation WRNS

Example Sentences

While Wren's mum, Anna, says the arrival of her NHS chair was greatly received - Wren will soon grow out of it.

From BBC

It’s a hellishly impressive performance by the young actor Jonah Wren Phillips, who does things with knives and teeth and windows and cats that will haunt your brain.

From Los Angeles Times

Outside is a bench dedicated to "Jennie Wren" – the family's pet name for her daughter – where Ms Moore often sits to reflect and allow memories from happier times to return.

From BBC

Adam Wren of Politico also wrote on Saturday about Vance's relentless bellyaching.

From Salon

Wrens "are very flighty," he says with a laugh.

From BBC