goldfinch

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun American finch whose male has yellow body plumage in summer
  2. noun small European finch having a crimson face and yellow-and-black wings

Etymology

From Middle English goldfinch, goldfynch, goldefynch, from Old English goldfinċ, equivalent to gold + finch. Compare West Frisian goudfink (“goldfinch”), Dutch goudvink (“bullfinch”), German Goldfink (“goldfinch”), Danish guldfink (“goldfinch”), Icelandic gullfinka (“goldfinch”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

New World goldfinch, yellowbird, Spinus tristis

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