Catbird
noun
A type of bird that is generally grey or black and is native to North America.
The catbird is known for its cat-like call.
Often appears as...
- grey catbird
- northern catbird
noun
A situation in which someone is in a very advantageous or dominant position.
The winning team was really in the catbird seat.
Often appears as...
- sit in the catbird seat
- be in the catbird seat
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
noun
A type of bird that is generally grey or black and is native to North America.
The catbird is known for its cat-like call.
Often appears as...
- grey catbird
- northern catbird
noun
A situation in which someone is in a very advantageous or dominant position.
The winning team was really in the catbird seat.
Often appears as...
- sit in the catbird seat
- be in the catbird seat
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Bird Species
Use 'catbird' to refer specifically to the bird species, not any bird that makes a similar sound.
I observed a catbird in the garden, not just any grey bird.
Pro Tip 2/3Distinct Call
'Catbird' is known for its distinctive call, which resembles a cat's meow, giving it its name.
You'll recognize the catbird by its meowing call.
Pro Tip 3/3Native Region
Remember that 'catbird' is native to North America; it's not as common in other regions.
In North America, you might see a catbird, but not in Europe.
Pro Tip 1/3Bird Species
Use 'catbird' to refer specifically to the bird species, not any bird that makes a similar sound.
I observed a catbird in the garden, not just any grey bird.
Pro Tip 2/3Distinct Call
'Catbird' is known for its distinctive call, which resembles a cat's meow, giving it its name.
You'll recognize the catbird by its meowing call.
Pro Tip 3/3Native Region
Remember that 'catbird' is native to North America; it's not as common in other regions.
In North America, you might see a catbird, but not in Europe.
Pro Tip 1/3Bird Species
Use 'catbird' to refer specifically to the bird species, not any bird that makes a similar sound.
I observed a catbird in the garden, not just any grey bird.
Pro Tip 2/3Distinct Call
'Catbird' is known for its distinctive call, which resembles a cat's meow, giving it its name.
You'll recognize the catbird by its meowing call.
Pro Tip 3/3Native Region
Remember that 'catbird' is native to North America; it's not as common in other regions.
In North America, you might see a catbird, but not in Europe.
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Video examples
Would you raise the bird...
though theirs are pure white. The gray catbird, on the other hand, is an expert at rooting out the very same parasites. It memorizes what the first egg in its nest looks like, which is usually its own, and tosses any aberrations.
Video examples
Would you raise the bird...
though theirs are pure white. The gray catbird, on the other hand, is an expert at rooting out the very same parasites. It memorizes what the first egg in its nest looks like, which is usually its own, and tosses any aberrations.
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Shawn Amos
American Musician
The Woodstock dove on the iconic poster is really a catbird. And it was originally perched on a flute.
Quote examples
Natasha Trethewey
American Poet
From the catbird seat, I've found poetry to be the necessary utterance it has always been in America.
Quote examples
Red Barber
American Celebrity
He's sitting in the catbird seat.
Quote examples
Shawn Amos
American Musician
The Woodstock dove on the iconic poster is really a catbird. And it was originally perched on a flute.
Quote examples
Natasha Trethewey
American Poet
From the catbird seat, I've found poetry to be the necessary utterance it has always been in America.
Quote examples
Red Barber
American Celebrity
He's sitting in the catbird seat.
Example 1 of 3
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