siskin

[ sis-kin ]

/ ˈsɪs kɪn /

Save This Word!

noun

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

QUIZ

TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS

Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”

Question 1 of 7

What does "dignity" mean?

showing self-respect

treating others with kindness

acting selfishly

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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. 2022

How to use siskin in a sentence

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