distelfink

noun

dis·tel·fink ˈdish-tᵊl-ˌfiŋk

ˈdis-

: a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch design motif in the form of a stylized bird

Word History

Etymology

Pennsylvania German dischdelfink, literally, goldfinch, from dischdel thistle + fink finch

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of distelfink was in 1939

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Browse Nearby Words

distasteful

distelfink

distemper

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Distelfink.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distelfink. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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