canary seed

noun

: seed of a Canary Islands grass (Phalaris canariensis) used as food for cage birds

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of canary seed was in 1578

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Cite this Entry

“Canary seed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canary%20seed. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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