murmuration

noun

mur·​mur·​a·​tion
ˌmərməˈrāshən
plural -s
1
: the act of murmuring : the utterance of low continuous sounds or complaining noises
the murmuration of the crowds—A. E. Richardson
ceaseless, inarticulate murmuration of prayer—Frederic Prokosch
2
of starlings : flock
in the stackyard there was a great murmuration of starlings—Mary Webb

Word History

Etymology

Middle English murmuracioun, from Middle French murmuration, from Latin murmuration-, murmuratio, from murmuratus (past participle of murmurare) + -ion-, -io -ion

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Dictionary Entries Near murmuration

murmur

murmuration

murmur diphthong

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Cite this Entry

“Murmuration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/murmuration. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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