Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

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.


birdseed British  
/ ˈbɜːdˌsiːd /

noun

  1. 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

He started pouring birdseed over my head, and the birds flew down and started peck peck pecking at me, and...

From Literature

Fish & Wildlife Service has estimated are birders, with many investing seriously in their passion by purchasing birdseed and bird watching accessories.

From Seattle Times

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

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