barn swallow

American  

noun

1. a common swallow, Hirundo rustica, of North America and Eurasia, that nests in barns and similar buildings.

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barn swallow British  

noun

1. the US and Canadian name for the common swallow, Hirundo rustica See swallow 2

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Etymology

Origin of barn swallow

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90

Example Sentences

Two new barn swallow murals by Harlem artist Marthalicia Matarrita had replaced ones badly damaged by graffiti.

From Washington Post • Jul. 7, 2022

Female barn swallows primarily sing just before they begin breeding—knowing that can help observers track the timing of barn swallow nesting, for example.

From Scientific American • May 4, 2022

The new arrivals included the mallard duck and barn swallow, whose normal range was previously well to the south.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 4, 2019

Here Pamuk flits like a barn swallow over fascinating issues of contemporary Turkish life, but never alights long enough to offer interesting insights or even substantially enrich the story.

From New York Times • Oct. 16, 2017

Then, to Genie’s amazement, a barn swallow landed not two feet away from him.

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds