noun

hawfinch

HAW-finch

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Hawfinch (noun) means a large Eurasian finch with a thick, heavy bill. Example: “A hawfinch visited the garden feeder, cracking open seeds with its stout bill.”

noun

A large Eurasian finch with a thick, heavy bill.

"A hawfinch visited the garden feeder, cracking open seeds with its stout bill."

"Birdwatchers gathered at the woodland edge hoping to spot a hawfinch."

"The hawfinch's powerful bill lets it crack cherry stones that other finches cannot manage."

How to use hawfinch

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA big, thick-billed European finch.

When to use it

It is a plain, everyday term used in birdwatching and natural history writing.

Memory tip

The word grosbeak is used as another name for the same bird, so you may meet either in birdwatching guides.

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Common pairings

a pair of hawfinches spot a hawfinch hawfinch's bill

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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?

A _____ visited the garden feeder, cracking open seeds with its stout bill.

Etymology

Formed from haw, the berry of the common hawthorn, joined to finch, since the bird feeds on such berries and seeds. The English ornithologist Francis Willughby gave it this name in 1676.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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grosbeak

Frequently asked questions

What is a hawfinch?

It is a large Eurasian finch known for its thick, powerful bill.

Why is it called a hawfinch?

The name combines haw, the berry of the hawthorn, with finch, reflecting the bird's diet, and was given by the ornithologist Francis Willughby in 1676.

What is the scientific name of the hawfinch?

It is known scientifically as Coccothraustes coccothraustes.

What is the meaning of hawfinch?

"hawfinch" (noun) means a large Eurasian finch with a thick, heavy bill.