Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of small songbird: "bunting" refers to any of numerous seed-eating songbirds, typically of the families Emberizidae or Cardinalidae, found in Europe or North America. These birds are often characterized by their stout bills and colorful plumage in males.
   • A loosely woven fabric: "bunting" is a lightweight, loosely woven fabric, often made of wool or cotton, traditionally used for making flags, banners, and festive decorations.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Bird):

  • The indigo bunting is a beautiful blue songbird common in North American fields.
  • We spotted a corn bunting singing from a fence post during our walk.

• Noun (Fabric):

  • The streets were decorated with red, white, and blue bunting for the national holiday.
  • They used colorful bunting to create a festive atmosphere for the village fair.

Advanced Usage

• "In full bunting": decorated with many flags or festive decorations.
  • The ship was dressed in full bunting for the fleet review.

Variants and Related Words

• Bunt (verb): In baseball, to bat the ball lightly so that it rolls into the infield. (Note: This is a distinct word with a different etymology and is not a variant of "bunting").
• Bunt (noun): The act of bunting in baseball; also, the middle, swollen part of a sail or a fish's body.

Synonyms

• For the bird: finch, sparrow (Note: These are general terms for similar small songbirds, not exact synonyms).
• For the fabric: pennant, streamer, flagging.

Related Phrases

• Bunting toss: A traditional game where babies are playfully tossed in a blanket, named after the fabric used. (This usage is now rare and historical).
  • The old painting depicted a bunting toss at a country festival.

Related Idioms

• None commonly associated directly with the word "bunting."

Noun

1. any of numerous seed-eating songbirds of Europe or North America
2. a loosely woven fabric used for flags, etc.