chiffchaff

[ chif-chaf, -chahf ]

noun

1. a common, greenish Old World warbler, Phylloscopus collybita.

chiffchaff

/ ˈtʃɪfˌtʃæf /

noun

1. a common European warbler, Phylloscopus collybita, with a yellowish-brown plumage

Word History and Origins

Origin of chiffchaff¹

First recorded in 1770–80; gradational compound; imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of chiffchaff¹

C18: imitative of its call

Example Sentences

Only a very few days since—it does not seem a week—there was a chiffchaff calling in a copse as merrily as in the spring.

From Project Gutenberg

The first swallow they looked for, and never missed; but they neither heard nor saw the chiffchaff.

From Project Gutenberg

In the north of England, as it is in the south, the Chiffchaff is perhaps the most constant pioneer of the spring migrants.

From Project Gutenberg

Lastly, we have the Chiffchaff, certainly the rarest and most local of all.

From Project Gutenberg

The chiffchaff uttered his clear yet rather sad notes on April 26.

From Project Gutenberg