Martin \Mar"tin\, n. [F. martin, from the proper name Martin. Cf. {Martlet}.] (Zool.) One of several species of swallows, usually having the tail less deeply forked than the tail of the common swallows. [Written also {marten}.] [1913 Webster] Note: The American {purple martin}, or {bee martin} ({Progne subis} or {Progne purpurea}), and the European {house martin}, or {window martin} ({Hirundo urbica} or {Chelidon urbica}), are the best known species. [1913 Webster] {Bank martin}. (a) The bank swallow. See under {Bank}. (b) The fairy martin. See under {Fairy}. {Bee martin}. (a) The purple martin. (b) The kingbird. {Sand martin}, the bank swallow. [1913 Webster]