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Wren

 - 7 dictionary results

wren

  [ren]
Use Wren in a Sentence
–noun
1. any of numerous small, active songbirds of the family Troglodytidae, esp. Troglodytes troglodytes, of the Northern Hemisphere, having dark-brown plumage barred with black and a short, upright tail. Compare house wren, marsh wren, rock wren, winter wren.
2. any of various similar, unrelated birds, esp. any of several Old World warblers.
Origin:
bef. 900; ME wrenn(e), OE wrenna, obscurely akin to OHG wrendilo, ON rindill

Wren

  [ren]
–noun
1. Sir Christopher, 1632–1723, English architect.
2. Percival Christopher, 1885–1941, English novelist.

Wren

  [ren]
–noun (sometimes lowercase) Chiefly British Informal.
a member of the Wrens.
Origin:
1915–20
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To Wren
wren   (rěn)   
n.  

  1. Any of various small brownish songbirds of the family Troglodytidae, having rounded wings, a slender bill, and a short, often erect tail.

  2. Any of various similar unrelated songbirds.


[Middle English wrenne, from Old English wrenna.]
Wren   (rěn)   
n.  A member of the British Women's Royal Naval Service.
Wren, Sir Christopher 1632-1723.  
English architect who designed more than 50 London churches, most notably Saint Paul's Cathedral (1675-1710). His secular works include the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford (1664-1669) and Trinity College Library in Cambridge (1676-1684).
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

wren 
O.E. wrenna, metathesis variation of earlier werna, a W.Gmc. word of uncertain origin. Cf. Icel. rindill, O.H.G. wrendo, wrendilo "wren." The bird's name in other languages usually denotes "royalty" (cf. L. regulus), in reference to its golden crest.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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