Full Definition of STARLING. : any of a family (Sturnidae, especially genus Sturnus) of usually dark gregarious oscine birds; especially: a dark brown or in summer glossy greenish-black European bird (S. vulgaris) naturalized nearly worldwide and often considered a pest.See starling defined for English-language learners. a dark brown or black bird that is common in Europe and the U.S. : any of a family (Sturnidae, especially genus Sturnus) of usually dark gregarious oscine birds; especially: a dark brown or in summer glossy greenish-black European bird (S. vulgaris) naturalized nearly worldwide and often considered a pest.