house martin

noun

1. a small European swallow, Delichon urbica, that builds its nest under the eaves of houses.

house martin

noun

1. a Eurasian swallow, Delichon urbica, with a slightly forked tail and a white and bluish-black plumage

Word History and Origins

Origin of house martin¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

Undoubtedly they breed a second time, like the house-martin and swallow; and withdraw about Michaelmas.

From Project Gutenberg

This bird, besides its noted pugnacity, is an arrant rogue, and invariably takes advantage of the House Martin's labour.

From Project Gutenberg

If a horse stopped for no ascertained reason or if a house martin fell they wondered what it portended.

From Project Gutenberg

From round the angle of the house Martin-Roget and Chauvelin were already speeding along at a rapid pace.

From Project Gutenberg

The sand-martin, the house-martin's cousin, prefers the side of a cliff.

From Project Gutenberg