What does mockingbird mean?
A mockingbird is a songbird famous for imitating the calls of other birds. The best-known species is the northern mockingbird, found widely across North America and recognized by its varied repertoire of copied bird calls and other sounds. The word can also be used figuratively for a person who mimics or ridicules someone, though this literary sense is less common than the literal one. In ordinary usage, “mockingbird” usually refers to the bird itself, while phrases such as “mockingbird song” and “mockingbird mimicry” describe its characteristic vocal behavior. The name reflects this ability: “mockingbird” combines “mocking” with “bird.” Its talent for vocal imitation makes it both scientifically interesting and memorable, since a single bird may produce recognizable versions of many different species’ songs.
nounA songbird, especially the northern mockingbird of North America, noted for imitating the calls of other birds. The term can also refer figuratively to a person who mimics or ridicules someone.
- A songbird noted for imitating the calls and songs of other birds.
- A person who mimics or ridicules someone.
"A mockingbird repeated the robin’s song from the garden wall."
"The mockingbird’s repertoire included fragments of songs I had never heard it sing before."
"His performance was a mockingbird of the boardroom, repeating each executive’s phrases with deliberate irony."
The standard plural is formed by adding -s.
"Two mockingbirds called from the trees at dawn."
The northern mockingbird can imitate other birds, household sounds, and even alarms with startling accuracy.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
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How mockingbird is actually used
The word is primarily used for the bird or the bird family. Its figurative use is relatively uncommon and carries a suggestion of mockery or imitation rather than neutral resemblance.