yellowhammer

noun

yel·​low·​ham·​mer ˈye-lō-ˌha-mər How to pronounce yellowhammer (audio)
ˈye-lə-
1
: a common Palearctic finch (Emberiza citrinella of the family Emberizidae) having the male largely yellow and chestnut

called also yellow bunting

2

Examples of yellowhammer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Nearly five million people live in Alabama, which takes its state nickname from the name of its state bird, the yellowhammer. Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 7 June 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'yellowhammer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier yelambre, from Middle English *yelwambre, from yelwe yellow + *ambre yellowhammer, from Old English amore; akin to Old High German amaro yellowhammer, amari emmer

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of yellowhammer was in 1538

Dictionary Entries Near yellowhammer

Cite this Entry

“Yellowhammer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yellowhammer. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

yellowhammer

noun
yel·​low·​ham·​mer ˈyel-ō-ˌham-ər How to pronounce yellowhammer (audio)
ˈyel-ə-

More from Merriam-Webster on yellowhammer

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