1. a small to medium-sized songbird with dark, often iridescent plumage, known for forming large flocks
2. a protective structure of piles or stones built around a bridge pier to break the force of water or ice
Usage: engineering; nautical

Examples

• A flock of starlings filled the evening sky.
• The European starling is considered an invasive species in North America.
• Starlings are known for their ability to mimic other birds’ songs.
• The murmurations of starlings create stunning aerial displays.
• Engineers inspected the starling around the bridge pier for damage.
• The old stone starling had protected the bridge for over a century.