redbreast

[red-brest]

noun

the European robin, Erithacus rubecula.

the North American robin, Turdus migratorius.

any of various other birds, as a dowitcher or knot.

a freshwater sunfish, Lepomis auritus, of the eastern U.S.

Origin of redbreast

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; see origin at red¹, breast

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

Examples from the Web for redbreast

Historical Examples of redbreast

Except the wintry notes of the redbreast, nature herself is mute.
Our Village
Mary Russell Mitford
But the Blue-Bird does not equal the Redbreast as a songster.
The Atlantic Monthly , Volume 2, No. 14, December 1858
Various
Imbrie asked with intolerable insolence: “Will you be my servant, Redbreast?”
The Woman from Outside
Hulbert Footner
The next day he asked the redbreast if he knew the way to the golden chest.
The Quest
Frederik van Eeden
The Redbreast was not afraid of Johannes; it flew on to his arm.
Little Johannes
Frederik van Eeden

British Dictionary definitions for redbreast

redbreast

noun

any of various birds having a red breast, esp the Old World robinSee robin (def. 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 redbreast

early 15c., of the English robin, from red (adj.1) + breast (n.). Later of the American bird.