Warbler

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈwɔː(ɹ)blə(ɹ)/

Definitions

1. A small bird known for its singing ability ; an individual who sings often or habitually
2. A type of bird characterized by melodic song ; a person who is a frequent or enthusiastic singer
3. A diminutive songbird recognized for its vocal performances ; someone who continually sings or uses their voice musically

Etymology: The bird is named for its song rather than its appearance. "Warble" came into English from Old French "warbler" or a related form, and the verb's sense of trilling or singing in a quavering voice is what gave the bird its name. Its ultimate source lies in Germanic roots, which the English word inherited along a path that also gave English many other terms for sound and motion. The ending "-er" is a common English suffix meaning someone or something that performs an action, so a warbler is simply the thing that warbles. The suffix itself traces back through Old English "-ere" to Latin "-arius," a Latin suffix meaning a person connected with or practicing a thing, which passed through Old French "-ier" into Middle English. Such agent endings are among the most productive tools English has for forming new nouns, and this one attaches to a verb to name whatever does the action.

Synonyms: singer, songbird, chantant

Antonyms: mute