Definition

A type of small bird that belongs to the swallow family, known for its forked tail and often seen in various species like the house martin or purple martin.

Example

The purple martin is a beautiful bird that often nests in colonies.

Conversation

I saw a beautiful martin at the park today.

Really? What did it look like?

It had a shiny blue back and a forked tail.

That sounds amazing! I love watching birds like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'martin' originates from Old French 'martin', which is derived from Latin 'martinus', meaning 'of Mars'. It refers to a type of bird, specifically the swallow, and is also associated with the name of the Roman god of war, Mars.

Memory Tip

Think of the connection to Mars, the Roman god of war, to remember that 'martin' refers to a bird named after this god.

Visually Confused Words