goldfinch

American  

[gohld-finch] / ˈgoʊldˌfɪntʃ /

noun

1. a European finch, Carduelis carduelis, having a crimson face and wings marked with yellow.

2. any of certain related American finches of the genus Carduelis, as C. tristis, the male of which has yellow body plumage in the summer.

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goldfinch British  

/ ˈɡəʊldˌfɪntʃ /

noun

1. a common European finch, Carduelis carduelis, the adult of which has a red-and-white face and yellow-and-black wings

2. any of several North American finches of the genus Spinus, esp the yellow-and-black species S. tristis

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Etymology

Origin of goldfinch

before 1000; Middle English; Old English goldfinc. See gold, finch

Example Sentences

His fateful choice that day — rescuing, or some might say stealing, a precious painting of a goldfinch — brings him solace.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2025

A male and a female goldfinch, white-breasted nuthatches, slate-colored juncos, chickadees and tufted titmice were just some we could name.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2023

You want to have the whole beautiful arrangement, neat as a goldfinch nest, set down in front of you by one of the Musket Room’s servers, who will point out the dish’s highlights.

From New York Times • Mar. 8, 2022

Photographer’s description: “Our state bird, the goldfinch, has been so much fun to watch as they strike so many poses to get seeds from the fading sunflowers. Photo taken with Nikon D3500.”

From Seattle Times • Sep. 15, 2021

Pantalaimon changed from a goldfinch to a mouse and ran up Lyra’s arm to the pocket of her shirt.

From "The Subtle Knife" by Philip Pullman