birdseed

American

[burd-seed] / ˈbɜrdˌsid /

noun

any seed or mixture of seeds used for feeding birds.
the seed of a grass, Phalaris canariensis, used as food for birds.

birdseed British

/ ˈbɜːdˌsiːd /

noun

Also called: canary seed. a mixture of various kinds of seeds for feeding cagebirds

"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

Etymology

Origin of birdseed

First recorded in 1830–40; bird + seed

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.

The true gut punch came when I ran into the store for birdseed and walked straight into a wall of school supplies where beach towels and sunscreen had been.

From Salon • Sep. 21, 2025

If you spot one during the day, check closely to see if it is carrying a sack of birdseed or any Acme packaging before contacting animal control.

From Slate • Sep. 5, 2025

In competitions or long-distance events, most jogglers prefer to use palm-size beanbags stuffed with birdseed because they are light enough for the challenge but heavy enough to withstand winds.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2024

In the suburbs, turkeys can take advantage of edge habitat, like woods and open spaces, and dine on a never-ending buffet of food provided by people—particularly birdseed.

From National Geographic • Nov. 20, 2023

He had to know what birds ate dead flies and not birdseed.

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023