distelfink

noun

dis·​tel·​fink ˈdish-tᵊl-ˌfiŋk How to pronounce distelfink (audio)
ˈdis-
: a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch design motif in the form of a stylized bird

Word History

Etymology

Pennsylvania German dischdelfink, literally, goldfinch, from dischdel thistle + fink finch

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of distelfink was in 1939

Dictionary Entries Near distelfink

Cite this Entry

“Distelfink.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distelfink. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

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