waxbill

[ waks-bil ]

noun

1. any of several small Old World finches, especially of the genus Estrilda, that have white, pink, or red bills bill of waxy appearance and are often kept as cage birds.

waxbill

/ ˈwæksˌbɪl /

noun

1. any of various chiefly African finchlike weaverbirds of the genus Estrilda and related genera, having a brightly coloured bill and plumage

Word History and Origins

Origin of waxbill¹

First recorded in 1745–55; wax ¹ + bill ²

Example Sentences

The goldfinch, linnet, waxbill, and several others belong to this interesting tribe.

From Project Gutenberg

This is the proper English name of the bird, although fanciers frequently call it the red waxbill.

From Project Gutenberg

The Indian red-munia or red waxbill or lal (Sporæginthus amandava) is another very small bird.

From Project Gutenberg