linnet

[ lin-it ]

/ ˈlɪn ɪt /

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noun

a small Old World finch, Carduelis cannabina.

any of various related birds, as the house finch.

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Origin of linnet

1520–30; earlier linet<Middle French (Walloon, Picard ) linette (French linot, linotte), derivative of lin flax (cf. line¹; so named for its diet of flaxseeds); see -et

Words nearby linnet

Linnaean, Linnaeus, Linnaeus, Carolus, Linnean, Linnean classification, linnet, linnet hole, linney, Linnhe, lino, linocut

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use linnet in a sentence

No one would have known that it was anything but a common linnet, and yesterday the queen would have thought so too.
The Olive Fairy Book|Various
"The linnet's plumage is sleek, and her song pleasant to hear," retorted Ninyas with a mocking laugh.
Sarchedon|G. J. (George John) Whyte-Melville
The "Linnet" thereupon dashed in among the American gunboats, and, driving them off, commenced a raking fire upon the "Saratoga."
The Naval History of the United States|Willis J. Abbot.
Under the stern of the "Saratoga" lay the "Linnet," pouring in raking broadsides.
The Naval History of the United States|Willis J. Abbot.

Yet neither with linnet nor with lark could her little wee son woo the smiles back to his dear mother's face.
Stories from the Ballads|Mary MacGregor

British Dictionary definitions for linnet

linnet

/ (ˈlɪnɪt) /

noun

a brownish Old World finch, Acanthis cannabina : the male has a red breast and forehead

Also called: house finch a similar and related North American bird, Carpodacus mexicanus

Word Origin for linnet

C16: from Old French linotte, ultimately from Latin līnum flax (because the bird feeds on flaxseeds)

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