noun
Very common
martin
MAH-tihn
Martin (noun) means a small, swift-flying bird related to the swallow, known for catching insects on the wing. Example: “Purple martins nested under the eaves of the barn.”
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."
"A house martin built a mud nest above our bedroom window."
"We watched the martins swoop low over the river at dusk."
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- martins
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Can you complete this real example?
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.
Frequently asked questions
What does “martin” mean?
The word “martin” means a small, swift-flying bird related to the swallow, known for catching insects on the wing. In plain terms, a small insect-eating bird in the swallow family.
How do you pronounce “martin”?
“Martin” is pronounced MAH-tihn (/ˈmɑɹ.tɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “martin” in a sentence?
Here is “martin” used in a sentence: “Purple martins nested under the eaves of the barn.”
What part of speech is “martin”?
“Martin” is a noun.
Where does the word “martin” come from?
The word “martin” dates back to around 300 and comes from Middle French. From Middle French martin, likely linked to the given name Martin, itself honoring a fourth-century soldier-saint.
Is “martin” a common word?
“Martin” is a very common word in modern English.
What is the difference between a martin and a marten?
Despite sounding alike, they are completely different animals. A martin is a small, swift-flying bird in the swallow family that catches insects on the wing. A marten is a mammal — a tree-climbing predator related to weasels and minks. One flies and eats insects, while the other has fur and hunts on land.
What is the difference between a martin and a swallow?
Martins belong to the swallow family, so they are close relatives rather than opposites. In general, martins tend to have shorter, less deeply forked tails and broader wings than typical swallows. Names vary by region, but birds like the house martin and sand martin sit within the wider swallow group.
What do martins eat?
Martins feed almost entirely on flying insects, which they catch in mid-air with great agility. Midges, flies, mosquitoes, and other small insects make up their diet. This is why martins are such swift, acrobatic fliers, and why they are most active in warmer months when insects are plentiful.
What are the types of martins?
Well-known martins include the house martin, which nests under the eaves of buildings, the sand martin, which burrows into riverbanks, and the purple martin of North America. All share the family's insect-catching flight, but they differ in colouring, nesting habits, and the regions where they are found.
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