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Glite Dictionary
common canary

common canary

2.5
A small yellow bird kept as a pet for its song
  • noun
  • /ˈkɑːmən kəˈnɛri/
translation icon : canario común
  • The common canary is prized for its cheerful singing around the house.

Examples

  • Many bird enthusiasts enjoy keeping a common canary as a pet.

  • Breeders have developed several color varieties of the common canary.

  • The common canary is known for its beautiful song.

  • I saw a common canary in the pet store yesterday.

  • Many bird enthusiasts enjoy keeping a common canary as a pet for its beautiful song.

  • Breeders have developed several color varieties of the common canary that are popular among collectors.

  • The common canary is prized for its cheerful singing, making it a favorite choice for indoor birds.

Synonyms

canary
vscommon canary
14 2.1

A small bright yellow songbird often kept as a pet for its singing

is usually more plainly yellow rather than yellowish green in tone
canary bird
vscommon canary
1 1.3

A small yellow songbird often kept as a pet for its singing

includes the Azores as part of its native range
Serinus canaria
vscommon canary
  • Specialized
8.0

A small songbird often kept in a cage for its singing

is the common everyday name rather than the scientific label

Surface Forms

common canary singular
common canaries plural

Morphology

common + canary

The phrase 'common canary' is compositionally built from 'common' (typical/frequently occurring) + 'canary' (a small songbird), so its meaning as a typical/species of canary is directly inferable. This is a standard adjective+noun construction found across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily understand it.

Etymology

Common canary gets its name from the word canary because the bird came from the Canary Islands. Sailors brought these small yellow birds to Europe and people kept them as house 'pets' for their bright 'song', so the name now means a small, usually yellow songbird kept as a 'pet'.