grosbeak

noun

gros·​beak ˈgrōs-ˌbēk How to pronounce grosbeak (audio)
: any of several finches (especially families Cardinalidae and Fringillidae) of Europe and America having large stout conical bills

Examples of grosbeak in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The photo today is of a blue grosbeak nest with a cowbird egg. — Taylor Piephoff, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Rose-breasted grosbeaks eat the seeds, while cedar waxwings munch on the flowers in early spring. — Sheryl Devore, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026 Cardinals, grosbeaks, bobwhites, and other wildlife eat redbud seeds. — Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2025 Pine grosbeaks, mountain chickadees, golden-mantled ground squirrels and pine squirrels may also make an appearance along this portion of the trail. — Estes Park Trail-Gazette, The Denver Post, 6 Aug. 2024 See All Example Sentences for grosbeak

Word History

Etymology

partial translation of French grosbec, from gros thick + bec beak

First Known Use

circa 1678, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of grosbeak was circa 1678

Phrases Containing grosbeak

Rhymes for grosbeak

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Browse Nearby Words

gros
grosbeak
groschen
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Cite this Entry

“Grosbeak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grosbeak. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

grosbeak

noun
gros·​beak ˈgrōs-ˌbēk How to pronounce grosbeak (audio)
: any of several finches (as the rose-breasted grosbeak) of Europe or America having large stout cone-shaped bills

More from Merriam-Webster on grosbeak

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about grosbeak

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