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

How many a little cabin, built in eagerness and hope, is remembered at last only by the tiger lily, May rose, and chimney swift!

From Minstrel Weather by Marian Storm

The eave swallow and barn swallow and the chimney swift all belie their names in the few wild haunts still uninvaded by man.

From The Log of the Sun A Chronicle of Nature's Year by William Beebe

The chimney swift has learned to nest in chimneys since the Pilgrims landed; for there were no chimneys before that time.

From The Woodpeckers by Fannie Hardy Eckstorm