house sparrow

American  

noun

1. a small, hardy, buffy-brown and gray bird, Passer domesticus, of Europe, introduced into America, Australia, etc.

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house sparrow British  

noun

1. Also called (US): English sparrow.  a small Eurasian weaverbird, Passer domesticus, now established in North America and Australia. It has a brown streaked plumage with grey underparts

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Etymology

Origin of house sparrow

First recorded in 1665–75

Example Sentences

In India, he said, the challenge is compounded by a decline in birds like the goraiya, commonly known as the house sparrow, which are increasingly being displaced by pigeons.

From BBC • Aug. 17, 2025

They concluded that in agricultural areas, species of greater conservation concern, like the oak titmouse, would see worse outcomes than species of lower concern, like the house sparrow.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 19, 2023

The researchers spotted a house sparrow and pulled binoculars to their eyes.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2023

The situation is so bad for eastern bluebirds that the North American Bluebird Society recommends removing and destroying house sparrow eggs from bluebird boxes and trapping adult house sparrows.

From New York Times • Jun. 2, 2023

He punctuated this last thought with such a deep sigh that a house sparrow singing nearby stopped and rushed home to be with his family.

From "The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Juster