Martlet: meaning, definitions and examples

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martlet

[ˈmɑːtlɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

bird

A small songbird, typically with a forked tail and long wings. It is known for its graceful flight and melodious song.

Synonyms

chimney swallow, swallow, swift.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
martlet	Used mainly in heraldry and often symbolizes peace, nobility, and grace. It refers to a mythological bird similar to a swallow but without feet. The family crest featured a golden martlet representing their heritage.
swallow	Commonly used to refer to a type of bird known for its agile flight and insect-eating habits. Suitable for general discussion about birds or nature. The swallows returned to their nests under the eaves of the old house.
swift	Refers to a family of highly aerial birds. Useful in scientific or bird-watching contexts. Known for their fast and agile flight. Swifts are often seen high in the sky, chattering as they hunt for insects.
chimney swallow	Informally used to describe swifts that often nest in chimneys. This term is less common in everyday language. In the evening, we watched the chimney swallows darting around the rooftops.

Examples of usage

The martlet chirped a sweet melody in the garden.
I saw a flock of martlets flying overhead.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

heraldry

In heraldry, a martlet is a mythical bird with no feet, symbolizing the fourth son who would not inherit land and therefore had to make his own way in the world.

Synonyms

heraldic bird, heraldic symbol.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
martlet	Used in historical or heraldic texts to describe a stylized bird without feet, often found in coats of arms. The knight's coat of arms featured a golden martlet on a blue field. Martlets are often depicted as swallows or swifts in heraldic designs.
heraldic bird	Used when referring to any bird that is used in heraldry, not limited to just the martlet. It can describe various stylized birds found in coats of arms. The eagle is a common heraldic bird, symbolizing power and bravery. In medieval times, many families used a heraldic bird to represent their lineage.
heraldic symbol	Used more broadly to refer to any symbol used in the practice of heraldry, not just birds. It can include animals, objects, and geometric shapes. The lion is a heraldic symbol representing courage and strength. Each heraldic symbol on the shield has a specific meaning and history.

Word

Description / Examples

martlet

Used in historical or heraldic texts to describe a stylized bird without feet, often found in coats of arms.

The knight's coat of arms featured a golden martlet on a blue field.
Martlets are often depicted as swallows or swifts in heraldic designs.

heraldic bird

Used when referring to any bird that is used in heraldry, not limited to just the martlet. It can describe various stylized birds found in coats of arms.

The eagle is a common heraldic bird, symbolizing power and bravery.
In medieval times, many families used a heraldic bird to represent their lineage.

heraldic symbol

Used more broadly to refer to any symbol used in the practice of heraldry, not just birds. It can include animals, objects, and geometric shapes.

The lion is a heraldic symbol representing courage and strength.
Each heraldic symbol on the shield has a specific meaning and history.

Examples of usage

The family crest displayed a martlet as a symbol of the youngest son.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'martlet' comes from Middle English 'merlette,' which is derived from the Old French word for a young bird, 'merlet.'
The 'martlet' traditionally represents nobility in heraldry, often used to symbolize a person’s rank without the burden of worldly possessions.
Its name may also connect to Latin 'merula,' meaning 'blackbird,' although martlets are typically depicted in heraldry without feet.

Heraldry

In heraldry, the martlet often appears on coats of arms to symbolize a person who has no land under their feet, emphasizing a connection to nobility.
Because the martlet does not have visible feet, it represents the idea of a restless soul, always striving for more and never being grounded.
The use of the martlet is quite popular in British heraldry, often signifying those who have gained their rank through merit.

Cultural References

The martlet has appeared in literature, including works by Shakespeare, who used bird imagery to convey themes of freedom and aspiration.
The martlet is used in several heraldic symbols in various European countries, often conveying messages of strength and resilience.
In modern culture, the martlet can be seen portrayed in university crests and local government symbols, showcasing its historical importance.

Symbolism

Martlets are often interpreted as symbols of perseverance and the pursuit of ideals, as they are always depicted in flight.
They embody the idea of transformation, indicating that through hard work and determination, one can rise to greater heights.
In spiritual contexts, the martlet sometimes symbolizes the quest for knowledge and enlightenment, reflecting a journey of continuous learning.

Natural History

Though the martlet is primarily a heraldic creature, it is believed to represent the swift-flying swallows or house martins in nature.
House martins are known for their agility in flight, using raised nests under eaves, paralleling the attributes of the heraldic martlet.
These birds can often be seen skimming over water in search of insects, showcasing their speed and grace in the natural world.

Translations

Translations of the word "martlet" in other languages:

🇵🇹 andorinha

🇮🇳 नन्ही चिड़िया

🇩🇪 Mauersegler

🇮🇩 burung layang-layang

🇺🇦 ластівка

🇵🇱 jerzyk

🇯🇵 ツバメ

🇫🇷 martinet

🇪🇸 vencejo

🇹🇷 sağanak kuşu

🇰🇷 제비

🇸🇦 سمامة

🇨🇿 rorýs

🇸🇰 lastovička

🇨🇳 雨燕

🇸🇮 lastovka

🇮🇸 svala

🇰🇿 қарлығаш

🇬🇪 მერცხალი

🇦🇿 qaranquş

🇲🇽 vencejo

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,833, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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