house martin
a small European swallow, Delichon urbica, that builds its nest under the eaves of houses.
Origin of house martin
1Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use house martin in a sentence
Undoubtedly they breed a second time, like the house-martin and swallow; and withdraw about Michaelmas.
The Natural History of Selborne, Vol. 2 | Gilbert WhiteThis bird, besides its noted pugnacity, is an arrant rogue, and invariably takes advantage of the house martin's labour.
Birds' Nests, Eggs and Egg-Collecting | Richard KeartonIf a horse stopped for no ascertained reason or if a house martin fell they wondered what it portended.
The Life of Sir Richard Burton | Thomas WrightFrom round the angle of the house martin-Roget and Chauvelin were already speeding along at a rapid pace.
Lord Tony's Wife | Baroness Emmuska OrczyThe sand-martin, the house-martin's cousin, prefers the side of a cliff.
The Children's Book of London | Geraldine Edith Mitton
British Dictionary definitions for house martin
a Eurasian swallow, Delichon urbica, with a slightly forked tail and a white and bluish-black plumage
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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