grosbeak

[ grohs-beek ]

noun

1. any of various finches having a thick, conical bill.

grosbeak

/ ˈɡrəʊsˌbiːk; ˈɡrɒs- /

noun

1. any of various finches, such as Pinicola enucleator ( pine grosbeak ), that have a massive powerful bill
2. cardinal grosbeak
   cardinal grosbeak any of various mostly tropical American buntings, such as the cardinal and pyrrhuloxia, the males of which have brightly coloured plumage

Word History and Origins

Origin of grosbeak¹

First recorded in 1670–80; partial translation of French grosbec “large bill”; gross ( def ), beak

Word History and Origins

Origin of grosbeak¹

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

Example Sentences

Finally, Mr. Pine Grosbeak plucked up courage to approach nearer.

From Project Gutenberg

The “social grosbeak” fabricates a republic of nests in one clump, and all under one roof.

From Project Gutenberg

Then a catbird and a brown thrush sang against a grosbeak and a hermit thrush.

From Project Gutenberg

The grosbeak sang on, a big Turnus butterfly sailed through the arbour and poised over the table.

From Project Gutenberg

She talked to the grosbeak in exactly the same manner, as she laid strawberries and potato bugs on the fence for his family.

From Project Gutenberg