budgerigar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1neutral to informal; 'budgie' is the common, informal term.
Quick answer
What does “budgerigar” mean?
A small, brightly coloured parrot, native to Australia, often kept as a cage bird. Also called a 'budgie'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, brightly coloured parrot, native to Australia, often kept as a cage bird. Also called a 'budgie'.
A common pet bird known for its ability to mimic speech and its social nature.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used in both varieties, but 'budgie' is more common in the UK in everyday contexts. The species is equally known in both regions.
Connotations
Neutral. Connotes a popular, cheerful pet. The full name may sound slightly more technical or formal.
Frequency
'Budgie' is significantly more frequent than 'budgerigar' in both varieties, especially in spoken English.
Grammar
How to Use “budgerigar” in a Sentence
[Someone] keeps/owns/has a budgerigar.The budgerigar [chirped/mimicked/sang].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “budgerigar” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in ornithological or zoological texts.
Everyday
Common when discussing pets.
Technical
Used in veterinary medicine or aviculture.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “budgerigar”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “budgerigar”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “budgerigar”
- Misspelling: 'budgiegerigar', 'budgeriger'.
- Mispronunciation: /bʌdʒˈrɪɡ.ɑː/ (dropping syllables).
- Using 'budgerigar' in overly casual speech where 'budgie' is expected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In everyday English, especially in the US, 'parakeet' is often used to mean 'budgerigar'. Technically, 'parakeet' refers to a broad group of small parrots with long tails, which includes budgerigars.
Yes, primarily males, can learn to mimic words and phrases quite clearly, though their understanding is limited.
It is believed to come from an Australian Aboriginal language, likely Gamilaraay, from 'gidjirrigaa' or 'budgeri' meaning 'good' and 'gar' meaning 'parakeet'.
Budgerigars are flock animals and are much happier with the company of another budgerigar. Keeping a single one requires a great deal of daily social interaction from its owner.
A small, brightly coloured parrot, native to Australia, often kept as a cage bird. Also called a 'budgie'.
Budgerigar is usually neutral to informal; 'budgie' is the common, informal term. in register.
Budgerigar: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbʌdʒ.ər.ɪ.ɡɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbʌdʒ.ər.ɪ.ɡɑːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Chatter like a budgie (to talk incessantly).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BUDGE' the bird that can budge (move) its beak to talk, and 'RIGAR' sounds like 'eager' – an eager little talker.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often a metaphor for something small, colourful, and chatterbox-like.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common informal term for a budgerigar?