bird
UK[bɜːd]US[bɜːrd]
n
A warm-blooded animal with feathers, wings, and a beak, which typically lays eggs and can often fly.
Etymology
The modern English word 'bird' evolved from the Old English 'bridd', which originally meant a young bird or nestling. Its ultimate origin is uncertain, but it is a native Germanic word, replacing the earlier Old English 'fugol' (the source of 'fowl') as the general term for feathered creatures. The word's meaning broadened over time from specifically a young bird to encompass all birds. This shift represents a common linguistic process where a more specific term generalizes to cover a wider category.
Analysis
The word 'bird' is a simplex word of Old English origin. It does not contain separable morphemes in its modern English form.
Examples
A small bird was singing outside my window.
The national bird of the United States is the bald eagle.
She has a pet bird that can mimic speech.