: any of a family (Troglodytidae) of small typically brownish oscine singing birds
especially: a very small widely distributed bird (Troglodytes troglodytes) that has a short erect tail and is noted for its song
2
: any of various small singing birds resembling the true wrens in size and habits
Illustration of wren
wren 1
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebThe 2022 wren nesting cycle has been a flawless event that attracted much attention.San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2022 That wren is still dutifully trilling his love song. John Kelly, Washington Post, 10 July 2022 The mother wren returned and continued caring for the helpless youngsters.San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2022 Despite its tiny size of about 4 ½ inches and its drab brown plumage, the house wren is as well known as the American robin. Jim Gilbert, Star Tribune, 6 May 2021 Season two was more frustrating because the female wren decided to build a robust nest with twigs that obscured the camera.San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2022 With a new camera installed and a fresh coat of paint, a male wren began the nesting process by placing a few twigs inside.San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2022 Middlesex County: Observers spotted two Virginia rails at Flowed Meadow Conservation Area in Auburndale, two more rails at Forest Grove Reserve in Waltham, and a single individual and a marsh wren at Great Meadows Refuge in Concord.BostonGlobe.com, 26 Feb. 2022 The wren parents sat in a nearby tree, gurgling and bubbling and calling to the young inside the box. Sheryl Devore, chicagotribune.com, 9 July 2021 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English wrenne, from Old English wrenna; akin to Old High German rentilo wren
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of wren was before the 12th century