French word

étourneau

Pronunciation

IPA/etuʁno/

Meaning

  • masculine nounstarling

Example

Il y a des étourneaux dans le jardin.

There are starlings in the garden.

Illustration for étourneau (starling)

More examples

Un vol d'étourneaux a survolé la ville ce matin.

A flock of starlings flew over the city this morning.

Core concept

A dark bird gathered with others, filling a garden with restless calls.

Common phrases

  • un vol d'étourneaux

    a flock of starlings

  • une bande d'étourneaux

    a group of starlings

Similar words

oiseau: An animal with feathers and wings that can fly.
moineau: A small wild bird often seen near homes.
pigeon: A medium-sized bird common in cities and parks, often walking and pecking at food.
corbeau: A large black bird with a loud, distinctive call.

Definition in French

Désigne un passereau au plumage sombre et au bec pointu, souvent bruyant et grégaire.

Word origin

Étourneau is an inherited French development of Old French estornel, itself related to Latin sturnus.

Usage tips

  • The species name étourneau sansonnet specifies the common starling rather than leaving the species unspecified.

Word lists with this word