mavis
noun
a song thrush.
mavis
1 American
[may-vis]
/ ˈmeɪ vɪs /
noun
British (chiefly Literary).
Mavis
2
American
[may-vis]
/ ˈmeɪ vɪs /
noun
mavis
British
/ ˈmeɪvɪs /
noun
Etymology
Origin of mavis
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English mavys, from Anglo-French mauviz, probably equivalent to ma(u)ve “seagull” (from Old English mæw a small gull; see mew 2) + -iz of unclear origin
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
As well micht a coo gang up a tree tail foremost, an’ whustle like a superannuated mavis as get to Canawn for that!”
From Bygone Church Life in Scotland by Various
I know of a linnet's nest, says one—and I of a robin's, says another—I of shilfa's, says a third; but a fourth party comes in with his mavis, and all competition is at an end.
From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland Volume 4 by Various
And a Burns can invoke the Throstle in lines as musical as the song of the bird itself—"And thou mellow mavis, that hails the night-fa'."
From An Australian Bird Book A Pocket Book for Field Use by John Albert Leach
Upon the top of the tall ash, there I sat, with the mavis for my companion on one side, and the blackbird on the other.
From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland Volume 7 by Various
Whether in Scotland or England, the mavis, or thrush, is one of the especial favourites of the pastoral poet and lyrist.
From Aileen Aroon, A Memoir With other Tales of Faithful Friends and Favourites by Gordon Stables
Mavis weighed an IPO earlier this year, but has put the plans on hold for now, according to people familiar with the plans.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 3, 2026
In 2014, they sold a minority stake in their company to private-equity firm Oncap, which sold that stake a few years later to Golden Gate Capital, in a deal that merged Mavis and Express Oil.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 3, 2026
Mavis earnings are on track to grow nearly 20% to $750 million this year from 2025.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 3, 2026
Greenwood said her family is having to make "some very tough decisions" in caring for her mother, Mavis, who is 90 and in local respite care.
From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2026
“Have you heard Mavis sing? That’s not a present,” Andre says, and I shove him again.
From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
