chimney swift

American  

noun

1. an American swift, Chateura pelagica, which often builds its nest in an unused chimney.

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chimney swift British  

noun

1. a North American swift, Chaetura pelagica, that nests in chimneys and similar hollows

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Etymology

Origin of chimney swift

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

chimney swift

The term has been used in reference to the behavior of the common swift, a close cousin of the chimney swift, but this behavior is likely common to the swift family.

From Washington Post ● Oct. 15, 2021

This morning, I’ve been watching a chimney swift diving around.

From New York Times ● May 26, 2016

The chimney swift or swallow uses wood and glue in making the pretty little bracket-like basket he fastens to the chimney wall.

From Friends and Helpers by Sarah J. Eddy

The smooth chimney swift flashes above the barn and is gone.

From Minstrel Weather by Marian Storm

A chimney swift has taken up her abode in my study chimney.

From Ways of Nature by John Burroughs