firebird

American  

[fahyuhr-burd] / ˈfaɪərˌbɜrd /

noun

1. any of several small birds having bright red or orange plumage, especially the Baltimore oriole.

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firebird British  

/ ˈfaɪəˌbɜːd /

noun

1. any of various songbirds having a bright red plumage, esp the Baltimore oriole

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Etymology

Origin of firebird

First recorded in 1815–25; fire + bird

Example Sentences

Then an operatic soundtrack soared to life and model Karlie Kloss appeared at the foot of the grand staircase, dressed like a bewitching firebird — all red feathers and fearsome grace.

From Washington Post • May 22, 2018

Consistently exemplary behavior on the part of a firebird can lead to an “executive” designation—along with a gray shirt.

From Slate • Mar. 8, 2017

“This new drop has more iconic Adidas colors,” says Wang, “like the firebird blue, the Stan Smith green and the soccer-jersey orange.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 19, 2017

The piece ended with the unfurling of a huge firebird, a spectacular vision that made one almost forgive the mess that preceded it.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 5, 2016

Ms. Erica’s face is so red with rage, I worry she’s going to morph into an actual firebird.

From "Fast Pitch" by Nic Stone