birdcage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Everyday, neutral
Quick answer
What does “birdcage” mean?
A container or enclosure, often made of wire mesh or bars, designed to house a bird, such as a canary or parrot, as a pet.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A container or enclosure, often made of wire mesh or bars, designed to house a bird, such as a canary or parrot, as a pet.
Any structure or situation that resembles a cage for birds, especially one perceived as confining, restrictive, or decorative. Can also refer to a protective wire mesh structure or a specific type of stage lighting rig (in theatre).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Both use the term identically.
Connotations
Identical connotations. Both dialects strongly associate it with pet birds, confinement, and sometimes domesticity or decoration.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects due to the universal nature of the object.
Grammar
How to Use “birdcage” in a Sentence
in a/the birdcagelike a birdcagebirdcage made of [material]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “birdcage” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Extremely rare; not standard. Hypothetical: 'She felt birdcaged by the endless regulations.')
American English
- (Extremely rare; not standard. Hypothetical: 'He didn't want to birdcage his creativity.')
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; no adverbial use.)
American English
- (Not standard; no adverbial use.)
adjective
British English
- She wore a vintage birdcage veil for her wedding.
American English
- The apartment had a charming, birdcage-style elevator.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical: 'The corporate headquarters felt like a luxurious birdcage.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical, zoological, or cultural studies discussing pet-keeping or symbolism.
Everyday
Common when discussing pets, home decor, or metaphorical confinement.
Technical
Used in theatre for 'birdcage' lighting rigs; also a specific type of wire mesh in engineering.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “birdcage”
- Misspelling as 'bird cage' (two words) – while sometimes acceptable, the solid compound 'birdcage' is standard.
- Confusing with 'birdhouse' (for wild birds, outdoors).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard modern spelling is as one solid word: 'birdcage'. The two-word form 'bird cage' is less common but may be seen.
Typically, no. 'Birdcage' implies a smaller, portable cage for one or a few pet birds. A large walk-in enclosure for many birds is an 'aviary'.
It commonly symbolizes any situation that feels confining or restrictive, even if outwardly comfortable or attractive (e.g., 'a gilded birdcage').
Yes. In theatre, a 'birdcage' is a type of lighting rig. In weddings, a 'birdcage veil' is a style of face veil. In engineering, 'birdcage' can refer to a specific wire mesh design.
A container or enclosure, often made of wire mesh or bars, designed to house a bird, such as a canary or parrot, as a pet.
Birdcage is usually everyday, neutral in register.
Birdcage: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɜːdkeɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɝːdkeɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[live/work] in a gilded birdcage (a luxurious but confining situation)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BIRD that needs a CAGE. The image is self-contained within the word.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONFINEMENT IS A BIRDCAGE (e.g., 'a stifling marriage was her birdcage'), LUXURY IS A GILDED CAGE.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'birdcage veil'?