What is bird? Pronunciation and usage in English

bird means . Learn how to pronounce and use bird through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of bird

birdnoun

/bəːd/
Definition & pronunciation of bird

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "bird" in English. It's a surprisingly tricky word! Here's the breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /bɜːrd/ (British English)

    • bɜː - This is the key part. The "b" is pronounced as a regular "b." The "ɜː" (pronounced like "er") is a long "er" sound, similar to the "er" in "her" or "term." It's a short "u" sound coming out of your mouth.
    • rd - These letters are pronounced as "d" (as in "red").

  • /bʌrd/ (American English)

    • bʌ - This is the most common way Americans pronounce it. It's a short "u" sound, similar to the "u" in "but" or "up."
    • rd - Again, pronounced as "d."

Here's a way to break it down phonetically (using the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA):

  • British: /bɜːrd/
  • American: /bʌrd/

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't overemphasize the "r": The "r" sound in "bird" is quite subtle, especially in American English. It's not a rolled "r" like in Spanish.
  • Focus on the vowel sound: This is the biggest difference between British and American pronunciation.
  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it! Search for "how to pronounce bird" on YouTube and listen to recordings from British and American speakers.

Resources for hearing the pronunciation:

  • YouGlish: https://youglish.com/ - Type "bird" in the search bar and it will show you videos of native speakers using the word in context.
  • Google Translate: https://translate.google.com/ - Click the speaker icon next to the word "bird" to hear the pronunciation.

To help me tailor my explanation even further, would you like me to:

  • Focus on the difference between British and American pronunciation?
  • Provide more detailed audio examples?

Usage and examples with the word bird in English

Let's break down how to use the word "bird" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word! Here’s a breakdown of its uses, with examples:

1. The Most Basic - Referring to a Feathered Animal:

  • Definition: This is the most common use – referring to a creature with feathers, wings, and a beak that flies.
  • Examples:
    • "A bird is singing in the tree."
    • "I saw a beautiful blue bird in the garden."
    • "We watched a flock of birds fly south for the winter."
    • "The bird built a nest."

2. As a Metaphor – Symbolizing Something Fleeting or Transient:

  • Definition: "Bird" is often used metaphorically to represent something that is temporary, fragile, or quickly disappears. This comes from the image of a bird taking flight and being gone.
  • Examples:
    • “Life is like a bird; it flies away before you know it.” (This is a very common saying.)
    • "His promises were just birds – beautiful to listen to, but never meant to be kept." (Meaning promises were empty and unreliable.)
    • "The feeling of happiness was a bird that flew away quickly." (Meaning the happiness was short-lived.)

3. "Bird" as a Slang Term (Often a Negative Connotation):

  • Definition: In some regional dialects (particularly in the Southern US), “bird” is slang for a person, especially a young man. It’s generally considered offensive and outdated. Use with extreme caution, and be aware of the potential to offend.
  • Examples (Use with caution and understanding of the context):
    • "He's just a little bird." (Historically, this meant a young man, sometimes viewed negatively.) This is highly discouraged in most modern contexts.

4. Technical/Scientific Contexts:

  • Birds (plural): Referring to the entire class of animals – Aves.
  • Birdwatching: “I enjoy birdwatching.” (The hobby of observing wild birds)
  • Bird feeder: "We hung a bird feeder in the yard.”

5. "Bird" as a Part of a Compound Word:

  • Birdbath: A shallow basin for birds to bathe in.
  • Birdseed: Seeds used to feed birds.
  • Birdhouse: A shelter for birds to live in.
  • Bird flu: A disease affecting birds.

Tips for Using "Bird" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: Pay attention to how "bird" is being used. Is it literally referring to an animal, or is it a metaphor?
  • Avoid Slang (Unless You Know Your Audience): Be very careful using "bird" as slang, as it can be offensive.
  • Pronunciation: "Bird" is typically pronounced /ˈbɜːrd/ (BURD).

Resources for Further Learning:

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Synonyms for the word bird

Idioms of the word bird

be (strictly) for the birds
(informal)to not be important or practical
    the bird has flown
    the wanted person has escaped
      a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
      (saying)it is better to keep something that you already have than to risk losing it by trying to get much more
        the birds and the bees
        (humorous)the basic facts about sex, especially as told to children
          a bird’s-eye view (of something)
          a view of something from a high position looking down
          • From the plane we had a bird's-eye view of Manhattan.
          birds of a feather (flock together)
          (saying)people of the same sort (are found together)
            the early bird catches the worm
            (saying)the person who takes the opportunity to do something before other people will have an advantage over them
              give somebody/get the bird
              (British English)to shout at somebody to show that you do not like or approve of them; to be shouted at
                (North American English)to make a rude sign at somebody with your middle finger; to have this sign made at you
                  kill two birds with one stone
                  to achieve two things at the same time with one action
                    a little bird told me
                    (informal)used to say that somebody told you something but you do not want to say who it was

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