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noun

Mavis

MAY-vihs

Mavis (noun) means an old poetic name for the song thrush. Example: “The mavis sang from the hedgerow at dawn.”

noun
1
An old poetic name for the song thrush.
"The mavis sang from the hedgerow at dawn."

How to use Mavis

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA literary word for the song thrush, a common European songbird; also a woman's name.

Word forms

mavises plural

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The _____ sang from the hedgerow at dawn.

Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century as a poetic name for the song thrush; also used independently as a female given name.

· First attested 1800

Class of 1800 Mavis joined the language around 1800.
See the full Class of 1800 →
throstle song thrush

Related words

Rhymes for Mavis

See all rhymes for Mavis →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Mavis” mean?

The word “Mavis” means an old poetic name for the song thrush. In plain terms, a literary word for the song thrush, a common European songbird; also a woman's name.

How do you pronounce “Mavis”?

“Mavis” is pronounced MAY-vihs (/ˈmeɪvɪs/ in IPA).

How do you use “Mavis” in a sentence?

Here is “Mavis” used in a sentence: “The mavis sang from the hedgerow at dawn.”

What part of speech is “Mavis”?

“Mavis” is a noun.

Where does the word “Mavis” come from?

The word “Mavis” dates back to around 1800. Coined in the late 19th century as a poetic name for the song thrush; also used independently as a female given name.

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