bunting
UK[ˈbʌntɪŋ]US[ˈbʌntɪŋ]
n
A small, seed-eating bird with a stout bill, often having brightly coloured plumage.
n
A loosely woven fabric used for making flags and decorations.
n
Flags and other decorations made of such fabric, used for festive occasions.
Etymology
The word 'bunting' presents a fascinating case of convergent etymology for distinct meanings. The name for the bird is first recorded in the 13th century, possibly derived from a Middle English dialect word related to 'buntin' meaning 'plump' or 'short and thick', describing the bird's stout build. The term for the decorative fabric emerged centuries later in the 18th century, with its origin shrouded in mystery; one theory suggests it may come from the surname 'Bunting', while another posits a connection to the German 'bunt', meaning 'colourful', referring to the fabric's use for flags. Despite their identical modern spelling and pronunciation, the avian and textile 'buntings' likely embarked on separate historical journeys before merging in the English lexicon.
Analysis
The word is a simplex. Its origin is uncertain but likely connected to a dialectal English term for the bird or the cloth.
Examples
A male painted bunting is one of the most colourful birds in North America.
The streets were lined with red, white, and blue bunting for the national holiday.
She used a lightweight cotton bunting to make the festive garlands.