grosbeak

[ grohs-beek ]

noun

1. any of various finches having a thick, conical bill.

grosbeak

/ ˈɡrɒs-; ˈɡrəʊsˌbiːk /

noun

1. any of various finches, such as Pinicola enucleator ( pine grosbeak ), that have a massive powerful bill
2. cardinal grosbeak
   any of various mostly tropical American buntings, such as the cardinal and pyrrhuloxia, the males of which have brightly coloured plumage

Word History and Origins

Origin of grosbeak¹

First recorded in 1670–80; partial translation of French grosbec “large bill”; gross ( def ), beak

Word History and Origins

Origin of grosbeak¹

C17: from French grosbec, from Old French gros large, thick + bec beak ¹

Example Sentences

Exactly why the area attracts as many as 13,000 tanagers, orioles, buntings, grosbeaks and warblers on a single day is not entirely understood.

From Los Angeles Times

The rose-breasted grosbeak is there too, and the red-eyed vireo, and the indigo bunting.

From Washington Post

“It’s really good for allowing larger birds a little space to sit around when they eat, such as jays and grosbeaks.”

From Washington Post

A black-headed grosbeak appears on the back wall of the building.

From Washington Post

The area is home to woodpeckers like the red-breasted sapsucker and songbirds like the black-headed grosbeak, which whistles its warbled song in the shade.

From Seattle Times