canary bird Meaning, Definition & Usage

Ca*na"ry bird`

Definitions

1. (Zoöl.) A small singing bird of the Finch family (Serinus Canarius), a native of the Canary Islands. It was brought to Europe in the 16th century, and made a household pet. It generally has a yellowish body with the wings and tail greenish, but in its wild state it is more frequently of gray or brown color. It is sometimes called canary finch. and canary.