mockingbird

American  

[mok-ing-burd] / ˈmɒk ɪŋˌbɜrd /

noun

1. any of several gray, black, and white songbirds of the genus Mimus, especially M. polyglottos, of the U.S. and Mexico, noted for their ability to mimic the songs of other birds.

2. any of various related or similar birds, as Melanotis caerulescens blue mockingbird, of Mexico.

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mockingbird British  

/ ˈmɒkɪŋˌbɜːd /

noun

1. any American songbird of the family Mimidae, having a long tail and grey plumage: noted for their ability to mimic the song of other birds

2. a small scrub bird, Atrichornis rufescens , noted for its mimicry

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Etymology

Origin of mockingbird

1670–80, mocking ( def. ) + bird

Example Sentences

Like “Hush, Little Baby,” with its gifts of a mockingbird and diamond ring, “Summertime” turns love into reassurance imagined.

From The Wall Street Journal

In her travels, she meets animals—a cat, a dog, a hawk, a fox, a mockingbird—who join the quest.

From The Wall Street Journal

"There's that mockingbird out there," Wayne tells Stella, as smiles flicker across their faces.

From BBC

In 52 weekly entries, she sings the praises of clever crows and is heartened by the sight of blue jays and mockingbirds enjoying the heated birdbath she installed for them.

From Los Angeles Times

Everett started Wild Wings with his late wife Judy in 1978 after a neighbor had inadvertently tossed a nest containing three baby mockingbirds into a barrel along with a load of lawn trimmings.

From Los Angeles Times