Martin
/'mɑ:tin/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A type of bird: Any of various swallows (birds of the family Hirundinidae) characterized by a squarish or slightly forked tail and long, pointed wings. Many species migrate around the time of Martinmas (November 11th).
- A surname: A family name, notably belonging to several famous American entertainers and a French saint.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Bird):
- We watched a flock of martins swooping over the lake to catch insects.
- The purple martin is a popular bird for which people put up special nesting houses.
- Noun (Surname):
- Dean Martin was a famous singer and actor from the mid-20th century.
- Saint Martin of Tours is the patron saint of France.
Advanced Usage
- "Martin house": A man-made nesting structure designed specifically for purple martins.
- They installed a new martin house in the backyard hoping to attract the birds.
Variants and Related Words
- Purple martin (n): A specific, large North American species of martin (), known for its dark, glossy blue-black plumage.
- Purple martins are completely dependent on human-provided nesting sites in the eastern part of their range.
Synonyms
- Swallow: A general term for birds of the family Hirundinidae, which includes martins. (Note: All martins are swallows, but not all swallows are called martins.)
Related Phrases
- Around Martinmas: Referring to the migration time of some martin species, near the feast of St. Martin (November 11th).
- The birds depart for their wintering grounds around Martinmas.
Noun
- any of various swallows with squarish or slightly forked tail and long pointed wings; migrate around Martinmas
- United States singer (1917-1995)
- United States actress (1913-1990)
- United States actor and comedian (born in 1945)
- French bishop who is a patron saint of France (died in 397)