goldfinch

noun

gold·​finch ˈgōl(d)-ˌfinch 

: any of several small, active, often brightly-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

This native wildflower has exceptional heat and drought tolerance and supports a diversity of wildlife, from native bees and butterflies to goldfinches and other songbirds that feast on the tiny seeds in autumn. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 Apr. 2025

These goldfinches may still find seeds within the leftover, decaying buds, and their presence atop the plants is a lovely sight. —Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025

As with grass, only offer roots from plants that have not been treated with fertilizers or pesticides. Milkweed Fibers and Cattail Fluff: American goldfinch, Baltimore orioles, and Eastern kingbirds will line their nests with milkweed silk and cattail fluff. —Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Mar. 2025

During the fall and winter, male goldfinches appear unrecognizable in their drab gray-green feathers. —Cecilia Garzella, USA TODAY, 29 Mar. 2024

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