How Do You Spell CANARY?

Pronunciation: [kənˈe͡əɹi] (IPA)

The word "canary" is spelled with a "c" followed by an "a" and then an "n". IPA phonetic transcription for "canary" is /kəˈnɛri/. The first syllable is pronounced with an unstressed "uh" sound, followed by a stressed "e" sound. The second syllable has a short "e" sound and the final syllable is pronounced with an unstressed "i" sound. Interestingly, the spelling of "canary" has remained the same since the word first appeared in English in the 1590s.

Meaning and Definition
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Etymology
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CANARY Meaning and Definition

  1. A canary is a small bird belonging to the finch family, native to the Canary Islands and made popular as a domesticated pet. It is characterized by its vibrant yellow plumage, melodious song, and compact size, typically measuring five to six inches in length. The canary is renowned for its exquisite singing abilities, making it a sought-after companion pet for its melodious tunes.

    Due to its adaptability, the canary has been bred in captivity for many generations, resulting in a wide array of color variations, including orange, white, and red. This bird is highly regarded for its intelligence, sociability, and ease of care, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced birdkeepers. Its captivating song and vibrant appearance have also earned it a revered place in the world of aviculture and pet bird competitions.

    In addition to its popularity as a pet, the canary has a historical significance. During the 19th and 20th centuries, canaries were used by miners as an early warning system for detecting hazardous gases in coal mines. Their exceptional sensitivity enabled them to detect even trace amounts of poisonous gases, giving the miners sufficient time to evacuate before being exposed to potential danger.

    Today, the term "canary" is also metaphorically used to describe someone or something serving as an indicator, early warning, or test subject. It often implies vulnerability or high sensitivity to environmental changes, similar to the role canaries played in the mining industry.

  2. A wine from the Canary Islands; a fine song-bird of yellowish plumage.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for CANARY *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for CANARY

Etymology of CANARY

The word "canary" is derived from the Latin word "Canaria Insula", which means "Island of Dogs". This name was given by the ancient Romans to the Spanish archipelago of the Canary Islands, located off the northwest coast of Africa. The islands were known for their large inhabitants of wild dogs.

The name "Canaria" may have further evolved to refer to the islands' abundance of another natural resource - wild birds. The archipelago was home to a variety of vibrant-colored birds, including the Canary bird (Serinus canaria). These birds became popular in Europe as pets, and the name "canary" eventually became associated with this particular species.

Over time, the name "canary" expanded to encompass other small finches and songbirds with similar characteristics.

Idioms with the word CANARY

  • the cat that ate the canary The idiom "the cat that ate the canary" refers to someone who appears smug, satisfied, or guilty about having achieved or gotten away with something. It implies a sense of self-satisfaction or superiority that is often accompanied by a secretive or mischievous satisfaction similar to a cat that has successfully hunted and eaten a canary.
  • canary in a coal mine The idiom "canary in a coal mine" refers to a person or thing that serves as an early warning sign or indicator of potential danger or trouble. It originates from the practice of carrying a caged canary into coal mines to detect the presence of toxic gases. If the canary died, it signaled the miners to evacuate and avoid suffocation. Thus, the phrase has expanded to indicate someone or something that acts as a warning or harbinger of impending risks or perils.
  • miner's canary The idiomatic expression "miner's canary" refers to a warning or an early indication of danger or risk that serves as a signal for others. It is derived from the practice of miners using canaries as indicators of the presence of toxic gases in underground tunnels. If the canary died or showed signs of distress, it served as a warning for the miners to evacuate the area immediately. Similarly, in a broader sense, "miner's canary" represents someone or something that acts as an early warning system for potential hazards or problems.
  • look like the cat that swallowed the canary The idiom "look like the cat that swallowed the canary" refers to a person who has a self-satisfied or smug appearance, typically after successfully deceiving or tricking someone. It implies that the person knows something others don't and is reveling in their secret victory.
  • look like the cat that ate the canary The idiom "look like the cat that ate the canary" refers to someone appearing smug, satisfied, or self-satisfied with themselves, often after having done something mischievous or having knowledge of something that others do not. It is often used to describe a person's facial expression characterized by a satisfied or superior grin, similar to a cat's pleased demeanor after catching and devouring a canary.
  • like the cat that ate the canary The idiom "like the cat that ate the canary" is used to describe someone who appears smug, self-satisfied, or exceptionally pleased with themselves, often after successfully deceiving or outwitting someone else. This expression suggests a triumphant or mischievous demeanor, likening it to a cat that has just consumed its prey, feeling satisfied and proud.
  • like the cat that got/ate/swallowed the canary The idiom "like the cat that got/ate/swallowed the canary" is used to describe someone who appears extremely satisfied, smug, or self-satisfied, often in an obvious or conspicuous way. It implies that the person has achieved something they are proud of or that they have a secret knowledge or advantage that others are not aware of, causing them to feel superior or delighted.
  • sing like a canary The idiom "sing like a canary" means to speak openly and candidly, especially under interrogation or pressure, revealing information or secrets that may incriminate others. It refers to someone willingly providing information to authorities or betraying confidences, similar to a canary’s song being freely and easily heard.

Similar spelling words for CANARY

Plural form of CANARY is CANARIES

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