finch

American  

[finch] / fɪntʃ /

noun

1. any of numerous small passerine birds of the family Fringillidae, including the buntings, sparrows, crossbills, purple finches, and grosbeaks, most of which have a short, conical bill adapted for eating seeds.

2. any of various nonfringilline birds, especially the weaverbirds of the family Ploceidae and the tropical members of the subfamily Emberizinae.

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finch British  

/ fɪntʃ /

noun

1. any songbird of the family Fringillidae , having a short stout bill for feeding on seeds and, in most species, a bright plumage in the male. Common examples are the goldfinch, bullfinch, chaffinch, siskin, and canary

2. any of various similar or related birds

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Etymology

Origin of finch

before 900; Middle English; Old English finc; cognate with Dutch vink, German Fink; akin to Greek spíngos finch

Explanation

A finch is a small songbird with its defining characteristic being its short, stout bill that is perfect for crushing seeds. Though small, the finch is a bird that made a major contribution to science. In the 1800s, biologist Charles Darwin studied several species of finches found on the Galápagos Islands, taking detailed notes about their variations. His observations of these little birds greatly contributed to Darwin's groundbreaking theory of evolution. Finches are found in various habitats, from woodlands to urban gardens, and they primarily feed on seeds.

Example Sentences

It’s co-hosted by British multihyphenate producer and entrepreneur Charles Finch, who presides over the affair with the charm and graciousness that typifies the best hosts.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

Finch said the surgeon wanted her to have the implant washed and put back in, but she said she just wanted to return home to her children.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

Gobert and Timberwolves coach Chris Finch both said they thought the big man was being officiated differently.

From Barron's • Feb. 21, 2026

Finch said Sunday that the previous day’s game was postponed because “playing basketball just didn’t feel like the right thing to do.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2026

On the way home, I wonder when Finch was there—when he first found the license plate, when he came back.

From "All The Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven