siskin

[ sis-kin ]

noun

1. any of several small, cardueline finches, especially Carduelis spinus, of Europe.

siskin

/ ˈsɪskɪn /

noun

1. a yellow-and-black Eurasian finch, Carduelis spinus
2. pine siskin
   a North American finch, Spinus pinus, having a streaked yellowish-brown plumage

Word History and Origins

Origin of siskin¹

First recorded in 1555–65; from Middle Dutch sijsken, equivalent to sijs (from Middle Low German czītze, from Slavic; compare Sorbian cyž, Czech číž, Polish czyż “siskin,” ultimately imitative of the sound) + -ken diminutive suffix; -kin

Word History and Origins

Origin of siskin¹

C16: from Middle Dutch sīseken, from Middle Low German sīsek; related to Czech čižek, Russian chizh

Example Sentences

A longtime Murdoch loyalist and former News Corp. general counsel, Siskin has been a director at the company for 20 years.

From The Daily Beast

But for the yellow plumage and larger size of the Siskin, they might well be mistaken one for the other.

From Project Gutenberg

Siskin, sis′kin, n. a genus of perching birds belonging to the family Fringillid, the true finches.

From Project Gutenberg

The Siskin belongs in the group of winter visitants whose coming cannot be foretold.

From Project Gutenberg

A siskin, that was dying of atrophy, had nothing but water-cresses for three days following, and on the fourth he sung.

From Project Gutenberg

In its plumage this bird resembles the linnet; but in its actions and shape it more resembles the siskin.

From Project Gutenberg