vireo

[ vir-ee-oh ]

noun

, plural vir·e·os.

1. any of several small, insectivorous American birds of the family Vireonidae, having the plumage usually olive-green or gray above and white or yellow below.

vireo

/ ˈvɪrɪəʊ /

noun

1. any insectivorous American songbird of the family Vireonidae, esp those of the genus Vireo, having an olive-grey back with pale underparts

Word History and Origins

Origin of vireo¹

1825–35; < New Latin; Latin vireō (Pliny), probably the greenfinch, derivative of virēre to be green

Word History and Origins

Origin of vireo¹

C19: from Latin: a bird, probably a greenfinch; compare virēre to be green

Example Sentences

"Pertest of songsters," the white-eyed vireo makes whatever neighborhood it enters lively at once.

From Project Gutenberg

Indeed, this warbling vireo seems to be the connecting link between them.

From Project Gutenberg

The Vireo flashed by a dark body that had a light shining at its bows,—some ship swinging at anchor.

From Project Gutenberg

Leander eyed the speaker for some seconds in silence before he said, "You wa'n't drowned when the Vireo went to pieces?"

From Project Gutenberg

Things had been very odd indeed 238 the time the Vireo did not come back; perhaps he really would find out now.

From Project Gutenberg