bullfinch

noun

bull·​finch ˈbu̇l-ˌfinch How to pronounce bullfinch (audio)
 also  ˈbəl-
: a European finch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula of the family Fringillidae) having in the male rosy-red underparts, blue-gray back, and black cap, chin, tail, and wings
also : any of several other finches

Examples of bullfinch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Based on Ramos’ observations, habitat restoration emerged as the primary mode of preserving the Azores bullfinch. Anne Pinto-Rodrigues, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Sep. 2023 This project has a much broader focus but also includes the conservation of the Azores bullfinch and its habitat. Anne Pinto-Rodrigues, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Sep. 2023 Invasive mammals, like rodents, are known to feed on the eggs and fledglings of the Azores bullfinch. Anne Pinto-Rodrigues, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Sep. 2023 Visitors can head back to shore and set out in search of avian life, with the Azores bullfinch serving as one of the region’s most sought-after birds. Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 27 May 2021 Cuban bullfinches aren’t native to the U.S., so this bird could only have been illegally imported or bred from an illegally imported parent. Karine Aigner, National Geographic, 25 July 2019 In 1949 Konrad Lorenz, an Austrian biologist, recommended fish, hamsters, bullfinches and starlings as excellent pets. The Economist, 22 June 2019 Two years later airport customs agents in Miami arrested a man with 16 bullfinches sewn into his pants. Jenny Staletovich, miamiherald, 13 Apr. 2018 Audet compared rural and urban bullfinches on the island and found the city birds had better cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills. The Washington Post, The Denver Post, 30 Jan. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bullfinch.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1570, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bullfinch was circa 1570

Dictionary Entries Near bullfinch

Cite this Entry

“Bullfinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bullfinch. Accessed 29 Apr. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on bullfinch

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!