canary
10 synonyms for canary, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small yellow finch popular as a caged songbird.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use canary
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
canary yellow
canary in a coal mine
canary release
Etymology
From Spanish canario, referring to the Canary Islands, which the Romans in turn named after their dogs (Latin canis).
Full origin of canary →Frequently asked questions
What does “canary” mean?
The word “canary” means a small yellow finch popular as a caged songbird. In plain terms, most commonly the small yellow songbird, but also used for the colour, an informer, or an early test rollout of software.
How do you pronounce “canary”?
“Canary” is pronounced kuh-NEH-uh-ree (/kəˈnɛəɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “canary” in a sentence?
Here is “canary” used in a sentence: “The canary sang cheerfully in its cage by the window.”
What part of speech is “canary”?
Depending on how it is used, “canary” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “canary” come from?
The word “canary” comes from Latin. From Spanish canario, referring to the Canary Islands, which the Romans in turn named after their dogs (Latin canis).
Is “canary” a common word?
“Canary” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “canary” have?
“Canary” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small yellow finch popular as a caged songbird.
