goldfinch

Meaning

1. Any of several small passerine birds of the finch family
2. Any of several small passerine birds of the finch family
3. Any of several small passerine birds of the finch family
4. Any of several small passerine birds of the finch family
5. (UK, obsolete, slang) A sovereign (the coin).

Synonyms

yellowbird

New World goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

Spinus tristis

European goldfinch

American goldfinch

siskin

Translations

chardonneret

cardellino

Stieglitz

jilguero

Distelfink

putter

distelvink

carduelis

καρδερίνα

cadernera

acalanthis

chardonneret élégant

γαρδέλι

Carduelis carduelis

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: goldfinch

Inherited from Old English: goldfinċ

Cognate with Western Frisian: goudfink

Cognate with Dutch: goudvink

Cognate with German: Goldfink

Cognate with Danish: guldfink

Cognate with Icelandic: gullfinka

In summary

From Middle English goldfinch, goldfynch, goldefynch, from Old English goldfinċ, equivalent to gold + finch. Compare West Frisian goudfink (“goldfinch”), Dutch goudvink (“bullfinch”), German Goldfink (“goldfinch”), Danish guldfink (“goldfinch”), Icelandic gullfinka (“goldfinch”).