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Definition of chaffinch

chaffinch

/ˈtʃæf.ɪntʃ/
chaf · finch
Plural:chaffinches
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chaffinch Lexical Profile

chaffinch Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A common and widespread small Eurasian songbird (Fringilla coelebs) of the finch family, the male of which is distinguished by a bluish-grey cap and rust-red underparts.

Example

"The male chaffinch sang loudly from the highest branch of the oak tree to establish its territory."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for chaffinch

• Nearby Words

chad
chaenomeles
chafewax
chaffinch
chaffwax
chaffweed
chai

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'ceaffinc', a compound of 'ceaf' (chaff) and 'finc' (finch), so named because the bird was historically observed foraging for leftover seeds amongst discarded agricultural chaff in barnyards.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Chaffinch. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 18, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/chaffinch
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