canary

noun

ca·​nary kə-ˈner-ē 
plural canaries
Synonyms of canary
1
: a small finch (Serinus canaria synonym S. canarius) of the Canary Islands that is usually greenish to yellow

Note: Canaries are often kept as pets and are prized for their singing.

see also canary in the coal mine.
2
slang : a person who provides information to police about secret or criminal activities : an informer
3
: a Canary Islands usually sweet wine similar to Madeira
4
: a lively 16th century court dance

Synonyms of canary

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Examples of canary in a Sentence

a canary who was singing and giving up the names of some of the city's most notorious drug lords
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.
Interspersed throughout the myriad activations of Monterey Car Week is the most important facet for the collector community, and that’s the array of auctions that serve as either an optimistic barometer reading or an ailing canary in the coal mine. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2026 Kevin Tubbs grew up in a comfortable suburb outside Omaha, Nebraska, in a canary-yellow ranch house filled with dogs. — Literary Hub, 10 July 2026 Carolina Jessamine This vine with sweet-scented, canary-yellow flowers in the spring is native to the southern United States. — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 9 July 2026 She was also spotted at Royal Ascot alongside William, posing for photos in a canary-yellow dress. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for canary

Word History

Etymology

Middle French canarie, from Old Spanish canario, from Islas Canarias Canary Islands

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Time Traveler
The first known use of canary was in 1592

Phrases Containing canary

Rhymes for canary

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Browse Nearby Words

Canarium
canary
Canary banana
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Cite this Entry

“Canary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canary. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

canary

noun
ca·​nary kə-ˈne(ə)r-ē 
plural canaries
: a small usually yellow or greenish finch native to the Canary Islands that is often kept in a cage

More from Merriam-Webster on canary

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about canary

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