First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
starling
noun star·ling \ˈstär-liŋ\
: a dark brown or black bird that is common in Europe and the U.S.
Full Definition of STARLING
: any of a family (Sturnidae, especially genus Sturnus) of usually dark gregarious oscine birds; especially : a dark brown or in summer glossy greenish-black European bird (S. vulgaris) naturalized nearly worldwide and often considered a pest
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Origin of STARLING
Middle English, from Old English stærlinc, from stær starling + -ling, -linc -ling; akin to Old High German stara starling, Latin sturnus
STARLING Defined for Kids
starling
noun star·ling \ˈstär-liŋ\
Definition of STARLING for Kids
: a dark brown or greenish black European bird that is now common in the United States
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