sturnelle
feminine
The English word meadowlark is translated into French as sturnelle.
The term refers to the songbird belonging to the genera Sturnella or Leistes.
Meaning: songbird of Sturnella or Leistes (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the phrase le merle d'Amérique is sometimes used to refer to the meadowlark.
Did you know?
- The word sturnelle is a direct relative of étourneau, the French word for 'starling'. Both names derive from the same Latin root referring to the characteristic chatter of these birds.
- If you use the term merle d'Amérique in France, people will likely picture a blackbird rather than a meadowlark.
- While sturnelle is the technical term, most French speakers in the wild would likely mistake a meadowlark for an alouette, the French word for 'lark'.
Examples in context
- J'ai vu un magnifique merle d'Amérique près du lacI saw a magnificent meadowlark near the lake
- J'ai vu une sturnelle dans le champ.I saw a meadowlark in the field.
- Le chant de la sturnelle est magnifique.The song of the meadowlark is beautiful.
- Cette sturnelle est très rare ici.This meadowlark is very rare here.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are walking through a nature reserve.
- HugoRegarde, Manon ! Est-ce que c'est une sturnelle ?Look, Manon! Is that a meadowlark?
- ManonOui, c'est bien une sturnelle.Yes, it is indeed a meadowlark.
- HugoElle est vraiment belle avec ses couleurs.She is really beautiful with her colors.
- ManonJe suis d'accord, elle est magnifique.I agree, she is magnificent.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “meadowlark” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
