grosbeak

[grohs-beek]

noun

any of various finches having a thick, conical bill.

Nearby words

Origin of grosbeak

First recorded in 1670–80, grosbeak is from the French word grosbec, literally, large beak

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for grosbeak

Strange we did not see them before, but the explanation is the grosbeak was singing.
Some Spring Days in Iowa|Frederick John Lazell
If this extended to the hen, and if the grosbeak were parasitic on the oriole, it would be held up as an example of mimicry.
Birds of the Indian Hills|Douglas Dewar
The history of the evening grosbeak illustrates the far-reaching and never-ending consequences of a falsehood.
Everyday Adventures|Samuel Scoville
Those who have heard the grosbeak describe its song as similar to that of the finch, though no doubt it is louder and stronger.
Locusts and Wild Honey|John Burroughs

If I was to see the grosbeak and make sure of him, it must be done at once.
A Florida Sketch-Book|Bradford Torrey

British Dictionary definitions for grosbeak

grosbeak

noun

any of various finches, such as Pinicola enucleator (pine grosbeak), that have a massive powerful bill

cardinal grosbeak any of various mostly tropical American buntings, such as the cardinal and pyrrhuloxia, the males of which have brightly coloured plumage

Word Origin for grosbeak

C17: from French grosbec, from Old French gros large, thick + bec beak 1

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for grosbeak

grosbeak

1670s, partial translation of French grosbec; see gross + beak.