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

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

For instance, Managing Editor T. S. Matthews dropped a footnote � definitely on the learned side � from a Science story about the chimney swift.

From Time Magazine Archive

No other birds except the chimney swift and the little brown creeper ever do this.

From The Woodpeckers by Eckstorm, Fannie Hardy

Well, the chimney swift carries a gluepot with him.

From Friends and Helpers by Eddy, Sarah J.