yellowhammer
|yel-low-ham-mer|
🇺🇸
/ˈjɛloʊˌhæmər/
🇬🇧
/ˈjɛləʊˌhamə/
yellow bird; distinctive identity
Etymology
'yellowhammer' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'geolu' meaning 'yellow' and 'ammer' from German 'Ammer' meaning 'bunting (bird)'.
'yellowhammer' changed from the Old English 'geoluhama' (yellow bird) and the German 'Ammer' (bunting), and eventually became the modern English word 'yellowhammer'.
Initially, it meant 'yellow bunting (bird)', but over time it also became a nickname for people from Alabama and a slang term in baseball.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a small European bunting bird (Emberiza citrinella) with bright yellow plumage on its head and underparts, commonly found in open countryside.
The yellowhammer sang from the top of the hedge.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a nickname for a native or resident of Alabama, USA, derived from the bird's name.
He proudly called himself a yellowhammer, being born and raised in Alabama.
Synonyms
Noun 3
a type of fastball pitch in baseball with a sharp downward break, also called a curveball (slang, US).
The pitcher struck him out with a nasty yellowhammer.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/06 23:11