noun
Uncommon
finch
fihnch
Finch (noun) means a small seed-eating songbird with a short, conical beak. Example: “A finch landed on the feeder outside the kitchen window.”
noun
1
A small seed-eating songbird with a short, conical beak.
"A finch landed on the feeder outside the kitchen window."
How to use finch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small bird known for eating seeds, such as the goldfinch or chaffinch.
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Word forms
- Plural
- finches
- Third person singular
- finches
- Past tense
- finched
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ landed on the feeder outside the kitchen window.
Etymology
From Old English finc, related to similar words in Dutch and German for the same bird family.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for finch
See all rhymes for finch →Frequently asked questions
What does “finch” mean?
The word “finch” means a small seed-eating songbird with a short, conical beak. In plain terms, a small bird known for eating seeds, such as the goldfinch or chaffinch.
How do you pronounce “finch”?
“Finch” is pronounced fihnch (/fɪnt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “finch” in a sentence?
Here is “finch” used in a sentence: “A finch landed on the feeder outside the kitchen window.”
What part of speech is “finch”?
“Finch” is a noun.
Where does the word “finch” come from?
The word “finch” comes from Old English. From Old English finc, related to similar words in Dutch and German for the same bird family.
Is “finch” a common word?
“Finch” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What makes a bird a finch rather than another type of songbird?
A finch is identified as a small seed-eating songbird with a short, conical beak, a bill shape well-suited to cracking open seeds. This distinctive beak shape is a key feature that distinguishes finches from other small songbirds.
Is finch a general term or a specific species?
Finch is a general term covering a family of small seed-eating songbirds rather than referring to just one species. Many different birds with the characteristic short, conical beak are classified as finches.
What do finches typically eat?
Finches are primarily seed-eating birds, and their short, conical beaks are adapted for cracking open seeds, which form the main part of their diet.
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