chaffinch

[ chaf-inch ]

noun

1. a common finch, Fringilla coelebs, of the Old World, often kept as a pet.

chaffinch

/ ˈtʃæfɪntʃ /

noun

1. a common European finch, Fringilla coelebs, with black and white wings and, in the male, a reddish body and blue-grey head

Word History and Origins

Origin of chaffinch¹

1400–50; late Middle English chaffynche, Old English ceaffinc. See chaff ¹, finch

Word History and Origins

Origin of chaffinch¹

Old English ceaffinc, from ceaf chaff ¹+ finc finch

Example Sentences

The Professor threw some crumbs to a chaffinch, which had flown down within a few yards of the tea-table.

From Project Gutenberg

Is not our own little goldfinch, is not the pert chaffinch that comes up to our very feet for a grain or a crumb, a pretty object?

From Project Gutenberg

There is no one to talk to except a chaffinch, who thinks of nothing but his appearance.

From Project Gutenberg

The decrease of the chaffinch is most regretted by the East-enders, who have an extraordinary admiration for that bird.

From Project Gutenberg

The chaffinch was very much in evidence, continually chaunting its unimportant little ditty.

From Project Gutenberg