Technical Definition
Hummingbird was a 2013 Google algorithm overhaul improving semantic search and query understanding. Enabled understanding of conversational queries, query intent, and relationships between concepts. Foundation for later NLP advances like BERT. Shifted SEO from exact keywords toward topical relevance and comprehensive content.
Simple Explanation (ELI13)
Hummingbird was a 2013 Google update that made Google much better at understanding what people actually mean when they search, not just the exact words. It was a foundation for understanding conversational searches and led to SEO focusing more on topics and meaning rather than exact keyword matches.
Related Terms
Semantic Search, Search Intent, NLP, Query Understanding
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