nuthatch

noun

nut·​hatch ˈnət-ˌhach How to pronounce nuthatch (audio)
: any of various small tree-climbing chiefly insectivorous birds (family Sittidae and especially genus Sitta) that have a compact body, a narrow bill, a short tail, and sometimes a black cap

Illustration of nuthatch

Illustration of nuthatch

Examples of nuthatch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Chickadees, downy woodpeckers and nuthatches also eat this bug protein to survive winter. — Karen Hugg, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026 Finches and sparrows crack into seeds with sturdy bills, while chickadees, titmice and nuthatches are more of a grab-and-go crowd, snatching a seed and taking off. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 This seed is a favorite of cardinals, finches, nuthatches, and many more. — Abby Fribush, Southern Living, 18 June 2026 Residents like chickadees, nuthatches and woodpeckers depend on these resources to survive until spring. — Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for nuthatch

Word History

Etymology

Middle English notehache, from note nut + -hache; akin to Old English tohaccian to hack — more at hack

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nuthatch was in the 14th century

Rhymes for nuthatch

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Browse Nearby Words

nut grass
nuthatch
nuther
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Cite this Entry

“Nuthatch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nuthatch. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

nuthatch

noun
nut·​hatch ˈnət-ˌhach How to pronounce nuthatch (audio)
: any of various small birds that climb trees and eat insects and are noted for their habit of going down tree trunks headfirst

More from Merriam-Webster on nuthatch

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nuthatch

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