linnet

American  

[lin-it] / ˈlɪn ɪt /

noun

1. a small Old World finch, Carduelis cannabina.

2. any of various related birds, as the house finch.

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linnet British  

/ ˈlɪnɪt /

noun

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

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

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Etymology

Origin of linnet

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

Example Sentences

They provide habitat for red-listed farmland birds such as corn bunting, yellowhammer and linnet, as well as winter food for visiting species including fieldfares and redwings.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

Louder yet calmer than they, among the trees, sounded the yellowhammer, the linnet and greenfinch.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams

A startled linnet fled from the whirling blades towards the rose-garden.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier

If the swallow and the linnet fill themselves with the refuse fragments of our abundance, shall not I think of a poor brother-mortal who has need of my assistance?

From Tales From the 'Phantasus', etc. of Ludwig Tieck by Tieck, Ludwig

The linnet has long gone to bed, close hidden under the whin bush.

From Kenneth McAlpine A Tale of Mountain, Moorland and Sea by Stables, Gordon