linnet

[ lin-it ]

noun

1. a small Old World finch, Carduelis cannabina.
2. any of various related birds, as the house finch.

linnet

/ ˈlɪnɪt /

noun

1. a brownish Old World finch, Acanthis cannabina : the male has a red breast and forehead
2. Also calledhouse finch a similar and related North American bird, Carpodacus mexicanus

Word History and Origins

Origin of linnet¹

1520–30; earlier linet < Middle French (Walloon, Picard ) linette ( French linot, linotte ), derivative of lin flax ( line ¹; so named for its diet of flaxseeds); -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of linnet¹

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

Example Sentences

No one would have known that it was anything but a common linnet, and yesterday the queen would have thought so too.

From Project Gutenberg

"The linnet's plumage is sleek, and her song pleasant to hear," retorted Ninyas with a mocking laugh.

From Project Gutenberg

The "Linnet" thereupon dashed in among the American gunboats, and, driving them off, commenced a raking fire upon the "Saratoga."

From Project Gutenberg

Under the stern of the "Saratoga" lay the "Linnet," pouring in raking broadsides.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet neither with linnet nor with lark could her little wee son woo the smiles back to his dear mother's face.

From Project Gutenberg