Robins

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of bird known for its orange-red breast and melodious song, often associated with the arrival of spring
2. Commonly found in gardens and forests, these birds are notable for their distinct markings and sociable nature
3. A symbol of renewal and happiness, these avian creatures are often seen in pairs during the breeding season

Etymology: The plural "robins" simply follows the noun "robin," which is a pet name. Robin is a diminutive of the Middle English personal name Robyn, itself a form of Robert, and the bird was called "robynet" or "robynett" in Middle English, a little Robin. The name was attached to the bird because of its familiar, friendly habit of hopping close to people in gardens, and the shortened form "robin" came from the fuller "robin redbreast," where "redbreast" describes its orange-red chest. The same name was transferred to other birds when English speakers met them abroad. The American robin, Turdus migratorius, is a thrush rather than a close relative of the European robin, Erithacus rubecula, but early settlers saw its red breast and applied the familiar name to it anyway. Two unrelated birds now share a name because of a shared colour and a shared human habit of giving friendly birds a first name.

Synonyms: thrushes, birds, songbirds