Canary

/kəˈnɛəri/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A small, yellow songbird of the finch family, often kept as a pet.

She has a canary that sings beautifully every morning.

A person or thing that serves as an early warning of danger.

The economic downturn acted as a canary in the coal mine for the impending recession.

adjective

Having a yellow color, similar to that of a canary.

She wore a canary yellow dress to the party.

The term 'canary' comes from the Spanish 'canario', which means 'of the Canary Islands' where the bird was originally found.

canary in a coal mine

A warning of potential danger.

sing like a canary

To inform on someone, often in the context of a whistleblower.

happy as a canary

Very happy and carefree.

finch

A small bird with a short, thick beak used for eating seeds.

songbird

A bird known for its vocal ability to produce melodies.

To rat someone out or inform on someone.

He was afraid to say anything that might make him look like a canary.

A term for someone who is overly talkative or gossipy.

Don't be such a canary; keep your lips sealed.