What does sperling mean?
Sperling is an old English name for the European starling, the familiar songbird with dark, glossy plumage that can appear purple, green, or bronze in the light. It was once used more broadly in literary descriptions of birds, often as part of a phrase such as a flock or chatter of sperlings. Today the word sounds archaic or poetic, whereas “starling” is the standard name in ordinary English. Sparrows and starlings are both common urban birds, but a sperling specifically refers to the starling rather than to a sparrow. The term can lend a traditional or rural atmosphere to writing, although its unusualness may also distract readers who do not recognize it. In modern natural-history writing, “European starling” is generally the clearest and most precise name for the species.
nounA historical name for the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), a small songbird known for its iridescent plumage and varied calls. The term is now chiefly literary or archaic.
- An archaic or literary name for the European starling.
"A single sperling landed on the telephone wire and sang."
"A single sperling landed on the telephone wire and sang."
"The description evokes an autumn field crowded with restless sperlings."
The plural is rare because the headword itself is now archaic or literary.
"Sperlings wheeled above the chimney in a restless flock."
The word that once called a gathering of noisy, jewel-bright birds “sperlings” is now the starling’s literary nickname.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sperling come from?
English borrowed sperling from German Sperling. The German word continues an older Germanic tradition represented by Middle High German sperling and Old High German sperling. The closely related Yiddish shperling also comes through German, while the precise prehistoric origin of the wider Germanic word is uncertain. English usage became increasingly dated as the established modern name “starling” prevailed.
How sperling is actually used
Sperling is uncommon in modern English. It appears chiefly in literary, historical, or deliberately traditional contexts, while “starling” is the normal contemporary term.
Easily confused with sperling
A starling is the standard modern name for the bird, whereas sperling is an older English term for the European starling.