noun
martin
MAH-tihn
noun
1
A small, swift-flying bird related to the swallow, known for catching insects on the wing.
"Purple martins nested under the eaves of the barn."
How to Use Martin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small insect-eating bird in the swallow family.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "marten," the small mammal — same sound, completely different animal.
Easily confused with
Word Forms
martins plural, Martins plural
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Purple _____ nested under the eaves of the barn.
Etymology
From Middle French martin, likely linked to the given name Martin, itself honoring a fourth-century soldier-saint.