birdlike

American  

[burd-lahyk] / ˈbɜrdˌlaɪk /

adjective

1. having the appearance or characteristics of a bird, as quickness, lightness, fragility, etc..

   birdlike gestures.

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Other Word Forms

• unbirdlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of birdlike

First recorded in 1580–90; bird + -like

Example Sentences

An abbreviation of Archaeopteryx, a birdlike dinosaur, it started out making climbing harnesses.

From The Wall Street Journal

Beowulf’s reply rose into a birdlike squawk as Penelope seized her student firmly by the ankles and returned him to a more secure position behind the windowsill.

From Literature

Penelope looked up, too, and saw the plump, tasty-looking cherubs, with their birdlike wings.

From Literature

He is often drawn to physically resemble a penguin, dressed in a formal suit with a long birdlike nose, shuffling with a bit of a waddle.

From Los Angeles Times

The camera keens and swoops, birdlike, around the guests — who are decked out in neon eye shadow and bright pastel-colored outfits — and a synth-heavy score lends the whole affair a hint of the uncanny.

From New York Times