tanager

[ tan-uh-jer ]

noun

1. Also called true tanager. any of numerous small New World songbirds of the family Thraupidae (tanager family), the males of which are usually brightly colored, including the multicolored green-headed tanager , Tangara seledon, of South America.
2. cardinal ( def 3 ).

tanager

/ ˈtænədʒə /

noun

1. any American songbird of the family Thraupidae, having a short thick bill and a brilliantly coloured male plumage

Word History and Origins

Origin of tanager¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from New Latin tanagra, metathetic variant of Tupi tangara

Word History and Origins

Origin of tanager¹

C19: from New Latin tanagra, based on Tupi tangara

Example Sentences

The tanager was always a very shy bird; he did not like to be looked at.

From Project Gutenberg

I waited only for warm days to set free the tanager, and at last they came.

From Project Gutenberg

Dense foliage no more conceals the male bird's brilliant coat than it can the tanager's or oriole's.

From Project Gutenberg

At the time I did not notice the singularity of his remark, my attention being absorbed in contemplating the unfortunate tanager.

From Project Gutenberg

This rarely beautiful tanager, thanks to them, is now only an infrequent flash of beauty in our country roads.

From Project Gutenberg