mavis
noun
a song thrush.
mavis
1 American
[mey-vis]
/ ˈmeɪ vɪs /
noun
British (chiefly Literary).
Mavis
2
American
[mey-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.
The mavis is imitative of the songs of other birds.
From Aileen Aroon, A Memoir With other Tales of Faithful Friends and Favourites by Stables, Gordon
I have known my mavis now nearly two years, and I think he knows me.
From Aileen Aroon, A Memoir With other Tales of Faithful Friends and Favourites by Stables, Gordon
That tree would then be green, the air fresh and sweet around it, the mavis singing in its leafy shade.
From The Island of Gold A Sailor's Yarn by Stables, Gordon
It is my impression that he does not go so far away from the nest of his pretty mate as the mavis, but then, perhaps, if he did he would not be heard.
From Aileen Aroon, A Memoir With other Tales of Faithful Friends and Favourites by Stables, Gordon
Merry it is in good greenwood, When the mavis and merle are singing; But merrier were they in Dumfermline gray When all the bells were ringing.
From The Land of Song, Book II For lower grammar grades by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
