purple martin
noun
a large American swallow, Progne subis, the male of which is blue-black.
Origin of purple martin
1An Americanism dating back to 1735–45
Words Nearby purple martin
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use purple martin in a sentence
The nesting site of the purple martin has likewise been changed in a most radical fashion.
The Bird Study Book | Thomas Gilbert PearsonNot even the little house wren has adapted itself so quickly to civilised men's homes, as the swift and purple martin.
Birds Every Child Should Know | Neltje BlanchanThe purple martin belongs to this family; it is common in the South but rare in the Northern States.
Endurance Test | Alan DouglasAmong swallows, the beautiful and graceful purple martin is most worthy of protection.
Checking the Waste | Mary Huston GregoryThe bank swallow also lays white eggs, as does the chimney swallow, the white-bellied swallow, and the purple martin.
Riverby | John Burroughs
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