noun
goldfinch
GOHLD-finch
Goldfinch (noun) means a small bird of the finch family, the name being used for several species. Example: “A goldfinch landed on the feeder and began to pick at the seeds.”
noun
1
A small bird of the finch family, the name being used for several species.
"A goldfinch landed on the feeder and began to pick at the seeds."
"The European goldfinch is one of the species that carries this name."
"She had never seen an American goldfinch until she visited the garden."
How to use goldfinch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small finch, with the name shared by several species.
When to use it
It is an ordinary everyday word, used in general speech and in bird-watching.
Common pairings
European goldfinch
American goldfinch
a flock of goldfinches
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A _____ landed on the feeder and began to pick at the seeds.
Etymology
The word comes from Middle English, which took it from Old English goldfinċ. It is a compound of gold and finch.
Synonyms
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yellowbird
Frequently asked questions
What is a goldfinch?
A goldfinch is a small bird belonging to the finch family. The name covers several species.
How many kinds of goldfinch are there?
The name is used for several species, including the European goldfinch, the American goldfinch, Lawrence's goldfinch and the lesser goldfinch.
What is the plural of goldfinch?
The plural is goldfinches.
What is the meaning of goldfinch?
"goldfinch" (noun) means a small bird of the finch family, the name being used for several species.
