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Synonyms

avian

American  
[ey-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  
/ āvē-ən /
  1. Relating to birds.


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.

Avian malaria attacks red blood cells, which can lead to anemia, organ failure, lower survival rates and, in some species, death.

From Science Daily • Feb. 11, 2026

Avian flu, which still threatens not only the U.S. but also flocks worldwide, would seem to be the biggest damper to investors’ appetites for Cal-Maine.

From Barron's • Dec. 11, 2025

Avian flu wiped out millions of hens, quadrupling egg prices overnight.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 4, 2025

Avian flu is a notifiable disease and must be reported to the APHA.

From BBC • Nov. 23, 2025

“I had to help Dr. Silvera negotiate a treaty between the Avian elders.”

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton