avian

adjective

avi·​an ˈā-vē-ən 

: of, relating to, or derived from birds

avian behavior

avian species

see also avian dinosaur

Examples of avian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The design took flight in 1965, when Jean Schlumberger dreamed up the idea of a tiny avian creature perched atop an important gemstone. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026

There are more signs of something nefarious in the book, as the demon is more avian in appearance, has less steady facial features, carries a putrid smell and an essence that causes some people to cough. — William Earl, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

This fall, the bird is the word—just ask Matthieu Blazy, whose spring 2027 collection for Chanel, presented at Paris Fashion Week on October 5, featured light-up avian sculptures hanging from the ceiling of the Grand Palais. — Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2026

Some at the memorial took solace in seeing so many like-minded devotees come out to the serene mountain setting to remember the avian matriarch. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin avis

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing avian

• avian dinosaur
• avian flu
• avian influenza
• non-avian
• non-avian dinosaur

Rhymes for avian

• flavian
• moravian
• subclavian
• scandinavian

Kids Definition

avian

adjective

avi·​an ˈā-vē-ən 

: of, relating to, or derived from birds

Medical Definition

avian

adjective

avi·​an ˈā-vē-ən 

: of, relating to, or derived from birds