birdseed

American  

[burd-seed] / ˈbɜrdˌsid /

noun

1. any seed or mixture of seeds used for feeding birds.

2. the seed of a grass, Phalaris canariensis, used as food for birds.

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birdseed British  

/ ˈbɜːdˌsiːd /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of birdseed

First recorded in 1830–40; bird + seed

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

birdseed

Walk down the birdseed aisle in any hardware store and you’ll find an entire product category promising “squirrel-proof” solutions.

From Slate ● Jan. 25, 2026

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

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

Andrew Peckleman was working near the motel sign, pouring a sack of birdseed into one of the feeders.

From "Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics" by Chris Grabenstein