Sparrow, n. [OE. sparwe, AS. spearwa; akin to OHG. sparo, G. sperling, Icel. spörr, Dan. spurv, spurre, Sw. sparf, Goth. sparwa; -- originally, probably, the quiverer or flutterer, and akin to E. spurn. See Spurn, and cf. Spavin.].

One of many species of small singing birds of the family Fringilligæ, having conical bills, and feeding chiefly on seeds. Many sparrows are called also finches, and buntings. The common sparrow, or house sparrow, of Europe (Passer domesticus) is noted for its familiarity, its voracity, its attachment to its young, and its fecundity. See House sparrow, under House. [1913 Webster]
" The following American species are well known; the chipping sparrow, or chippy, the sage sparrow, the savanna sparrow, the song sparrow, the tree sparrow, and the white-throated sparrow (see Peabody bird). See these terms under Sage, Savanna, etc." [1913 Webster]
Any one of several small singing birds somewhat resembling the true sparrows in form or habits, as the European hedge sparrow. See under Hedge. [1913 Webster]
"The name is applied to other small hawks, as the European kestrel and the New Zealand quail hawk." [1913 Webster]

"He that doth the ravens feed,
Yea, providently caters for the sparrow,
Be comfort to my age!" [1913 Webster]

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OXFORD DICTIONARY

Sparrow, n.
1 any small brownish-grey bird of the genus Passer, esp. the house sparrow and tree sparrow.
2 any of various birds of similar appearance such as the hedge sparrow.

Idiom

sparrow-grass dial. or colloq. asparagus.

Etymology

OE spearwa f. Gmc

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