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 August Danneman in my mind was more comfortable around animals than people, carrying a pocketful of birdseed that trailed from the holes in his pocket.

From Literature

“So if we went to the zoo, you’d pay for one of those little cones of birdseed and take it into the aviary to feed them?”

From Literature

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

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