noun

greenfinch

GREEN-finch

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Greenfinch (noun) means a small Eurasian songbird of the finch family, mostly green in colour with yellow patches on the wings and tail. Example: “Greenfinches often visit garden feeders in the colder months.”

noun

A small Eurasian songbird of the finch family, mostly green in colour with yellow patches on the wings and tail.

"Greenfinches often visit garden feeders in the colder months."

"A greenfinch's wings show a flash of yellow when it flies."

"We heard a greenfinch singing from the top of the hedge."

How to use greenfinch

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA greenfinch is a small green-and-yellow bird from the finch family.

When to use it

Greenfinch is a plain, everyday name used in both birdwatching and ordinary conversation.

Memory tip

The plural is greenfinches, adding -es because the word ends in ch.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

goldfinch → chaffinch →

Common pairings

a greenfinch's song greenfinches at the feeder a flock of greenfinches the European greenfinch

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ often visit garden feeders in the colder months.

Etymology

Greenfinch is a native English compound formed from green and finch, describing the bird's colouring. Related compound names for the same bird exist in other Germanic languages, such as German and Dutch, pointing to a shared way of naming it across these languages.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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green bird

Frequently asked questions

What does a greenfinch look like?

A greenfinch is a small songbird that is mostly green, with yellow markings on its wings and tail.

Where are greenfinches found?

Greenfinches are found across Eurasia, where they are a common sight in gardens and countryside.

Is greenfinch a type of finch?

Yes, greenfinches belong to the finch family and were formerly grouped with other finches in the genus Carduelis.

What is the meaning of greenfinch?

"greenfinch" (noun) means a small Eurasian songbird of the finch family, mostly green in colour with yellow patches on the wings and tail.