canary

ca-nar-y · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A small songbird, typically yellow, often kept as a pet.

  2. 2.

    Of a bright yellow color.

  3. 3.

    A bright yellow color.

Forms

plural: canaries

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    canary in a coal mine — an early warning of danger
  • •
    sing like a canary — to inform on someone to authorities

Related words

See also: bird, songbird, yellow

Etymology

From the Canary Islands, which were named from Latin Canariae Insulae meaning "Islands of the Dogs" (from canis, "dog"), possibly due to large dogs found there.