goldfinch

noun

gold·​finch ˈgōl(d)-ˌfinch 

: any of several small, active, often bright-colored finches (genera Spinus and Carduelis of the family Fringillidae) with yellow in their plumage: such as

a

: a small finch (Spinus tristis) native to North America that in the breeding plumage of the male is yellow with a white rump and black markings on the wings, tail, and crown

called also American goldfinch

b

: one (Carduelis carduelis) native to Europe, western and central Asia, and northern Africa that has the front of the head and throat bright red, the nape with part of the wings and tail black, and the wings marked in bright yellow

Examples of goldfinch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In Southern California, the numbers of American robins and goldfinches increased in urbanized areas. — Mack Baysinger follow, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026

Their cheerful golden blooms attract native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the summer, and their seed heads become an important food source for goldfinches and other songbirds in the fall and winter. — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 21 July 2026

Some birds, like cardinals and goldfinches, won't approach feeders that are placed out in the open because of the potential exposure to predators. — The Spruce, 5 July 2026

This year there are wildflowers growing in that area, but none of the variety that the goldfinch’s relished. — Joan Morris, Mercury News, 1 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing goldfinch

• American goldfinch

Rhymes for goldfinch

• bullfinch
• cinch
• finch
• flinch
• inch
• lynch
• pinch
• synch
• winch

Kids Definition

goldfinch

noun

gold·​finch -ˌfinch 

1

: a small largely red, black, and yellow European finch often kept in a cage

2

: any of several small American finches of which the males in their summer coat of feathers are usually yellow with black wings, tail, and top of the head