goldfinch

noun

gold·​finch ˈgōl(d)-ˌfinch 

: any of several small, active, often brightly-colored finches (genuera Spinus and Carduelis of the family Fringillidae) with yellow in their plumage: such as

a

: a small finch (Spinus tristis) native to North America that in the breeding plumage of the male is yellow with a white rump and black markings on the wings, tail, and crown

called also American goldfinch

b

: one (Carduelis carduelis) native to Europe, western and central Asia, and northern Africa that has the front of the head and throat bright red, the nape with part of the wings and tail black, and the wings marked in bright yellow

Examples of goldfinch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In winter, goldfinches, sparrows, and juncos feast on their seeds. —Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2024

Finches are a good example of the instinct toward seasonal flocking, with both the red house finches and the yellow goldfinches gathering in large flocks of dozens to hundreds. —Jack Gedney, The Mercury News, 23 Sep. 2024

Their small seed clusters also attract birds like the goldfinch, redpolls, chickadees, and pine siskins. —Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2024

Watch for goldfinches and other songbirds feeding on the tiny seed heads in autumn. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing goldfinch

• American goldfinch

Kids Definition

goldfinch

noun

gold·​finch -ˌfinch 

1

: a small largely red, black, and yellow European finch often kept in a cage

2

: any of several small American finches of which the males in their summer coat of feathers are usually yellow with black wings, tail, and top of the head