noun
cardinal
KAR-duh-nuhl/ˈkɑːrdɪnl/
A North American songbird whose male typically has bright red feathers.
The red cardinal perches on a twig.
Etymology
“Pertaining to a hinge” became “pivotal” or “chief,” giving cardinal its use as a title for leading churchmen. The bird was named for its red plumage, which resembled their red robes.
In context
what's this I think it's a cardinal but typically male cardinals are bright red and female cardinals are grayish brown
More examples
- The male cardinal stood out against the snow.
- A pair of cardinals visited the feeder.
- She recognized the cardinal by its crest and song.
Forms
cardinal · cardinals
Similar words
- tanager
- A different group of birds, some with similarly bright red plumage.