Langimage
English

canary

|ca/na/ry|

B2

🇺🇸

/kəˈnɛri/

🇬🇧

/kəˈneəri/

small yellow songbird

Etymology
Etymology Information

'canary' originates from the Latin word 'canāria,' referring to the Canary Islands, where the birds were first found.

Historical Evolution

'canāria' transformed into the Spanish word 'canario,' and eventually became the modern English word 'canary.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it referred to the bird species from the Canary Islands, but over time it also came to denote the color and an informant.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a small, typically yellow songbird native to the Canary Islands, often kept as a pet.

The canary sang beautifully in its cage.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a bright yellow color, similar to the plumage of a canary bird.

She wore a dress in a vibrant canary yellow.

Synonyms

Noun 3

a person who informs on others, especially to the police.

The thief was caught after a canary tipped off the police.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/02/22 19:21