What does skylark mean?
A skylark is a small, brownish songbird of open countryside, especially familiar for its sustained, varied singing while it hovers high in the air. The name is an English compound of sky and lark, reflecting the bird's characteristic association with the heavens. Skylarks occur widely across Europe and parts of Asia and have also been introduced elsewhere. In literature, the bird often symbolizes freedom, joy, freshness, and the beauty of nature; phrases such as “skylark song” evoke an expansive, melodious sound. The less common verb to skylark means to frolic or carouse exuberantly. This use is now chiefly dated or literary, but it preserves the word's broader associations with exuberance and high spirits. For most speakers, however, skylark refers primarily to the celebrated bird, especially one heard singing over fields or moorland. Its combination of visual charm and distinctive airborne song has made it one of the most evocative birds in English poetry and prose.
A small brown songbird that characteristically sings while hovering in the air.
"A skylark circled above the barley field, its song carried far across the valley."
The term is standard in ornithological, rural, and literary contexts and is more specific than lark.
To frolic, carouse, or behave with exuberant abandon.
"They skylarked in the shallows until the bell called them home."
This sense is now chiefly dated or literary and is especially associated with British usage.
The regular plural of skylark is skylarks, used when referring to more than one bird.
"Several skylarks rose from the rough grass as the walkers approached."
Its name tells the story: the skylark is the lark that fills the sky with song.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does skylark come from?
Skylark was formed in English in the late 17th century from sky and lark, with earlier spellings including skye-lark. The compound aptly describes the bird's conspicuous habit of rising into the air while singing. A separate verb meaning 'to frolic or carouse' developed later in English from the noun's associations with exuberant movement and song.
Related word forms
How skylark is actually used
As a noun, skylark is used in both ordinary and literary descriptions and is more specific than the broader term lark. The verb meaning 'to frolic' is now chiefly dated or literary and is associated particularly with British usage.
Easily confused with skylark
A skylark is a brown lark that often sings in flight, whereas a starling is a darker, iridescent bird of the starling family.