siskin

[ sis-kin ]

/ ˈsɪs kɪn /

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noun

any of several small, cardueline finches, especially Carduelis spinus, of Europe.

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Compare pine siskin.

Origin of siskin

First recorded in 1555–65; from Middle Dutch sijsken, equivalent to sijs (from Middle Low German czītze, from Slavic; compare Sorbian cyž, Czech číž, Polish czyż “siskin,” ultimately imitative of the sound) + -ken diminutive suffix; see origin at -kin

Words nearby siskin

sis, sisal, siscowet, Sisera, Sisinnius, siskin, Sisler, Sisley, Sismondi, sisomicin sulfate, Sisseton

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Example sentences from the Web for siskin

A longtime Murdoch loyalist and former News Corp. general counsel, Siskin has been a director at the company for 20 years.
News Corp.’s Motley Board|Nick Summers, R.M. Schneiderman|July 21, 2011|DAILY BEAST
But for the yellow plumage and larger size of the Siskin, they might well be mistaken one for the other.
British Birds in their Haunts|Rev. C. A. Johns
Siskin, sis′kin, n. a genus of perching birds belonging to the family Fringillid, the true finches.
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements)|Various
The Siskin belongs in the group of winter visitants whose coming cannot be foretold.
What Bird is That?|Frank M. Chapman

A siskin, that was dying of atrophy, had nothing but water-cresses for three days following, and on the fourth he sung.
The Natural History of Cage Birds|J. M. Bechstein
In its plumage this bird resembles the linnet; but in its actions and shape it more resembles the siskin.
The Natural History of Cage Birds|J. M. Bechstein

British Dictionary definitions for siskin

siskin

/ (ˈsɪskɪn) /

noun

a yellow-and-black Eurasian finch, Carduelis spinus

pine siskin a North American finch, Spinus pinus, having a streaked yellowish-brown plumage

Word Origin for siskin

C16: from Middle Dutch sīseken, from Middle Low German sīsek; related to Czech čižek, Russian chizh

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

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siskin

noun

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Origin of siskin

Words nearby siskin

Example sentences from the Web for siskin

British Dictionary definitions for siskin

noun

Word Origin for siskin