canary seed: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowspecialist, agricultural
Quick answer
What does “canary seed” mean?
The small seeds of the canary grass (Phalaris canariensis), used primarily as bird food.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The small seeds of the canary grass (Phalaris canariensis), used primarily as bird food.
The plant (canary grass) itself from which the seeds are harvested; also, a light yellow-brown colour resembling the seed.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in referent. 'Canary grass seed' is an equally common full form in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral agricultural term. In both regions, primarily associated with pet birds (canaries) and wild bird feed.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to contexts of bird-keeping, agriculture, or historical references (e.g., as a minor crop).
Grammar
How to Use “canary seed” in a Sentence
N of canary seedV (grow/harvest/sell) canary seedADJ (bag/pound) of canary seedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “canary seed” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to canary-seed the aviary floor (very rare/technical).
American English
- The farmer will canaryseed the field next spring (rare).
adjective
British English
- She bought a canary-seed mixture for her finches.
American English
- The canary-seed harvest was good this year.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Trade commodity in the pet supply and agricultural sectors.
Academic
Subject in botany, agriculture, or ornithology studies.
Everyday
Primarily used by pet bird owners or gardeners.
Technical
Specific term in agronomy for the seed of Phalaris canariensis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “canary seed”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “canary seed”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “canary seed”
- Using 'canary's seed' (possessive) instead of the compound noun 'canary seed'. Confusing it with generic 'bird seed' which is a blend.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while named for canaries, it is fed to many small seed-eating birds like finches and parakeets.
Yes, it is edible for humans and is sometimes used in specialty breads or as a cooked grain, similar to millet.
Canary grass is an annual grass plant with broad leaves and dense, oval seed heads that contain the small, oval, glossy seeds.
It is typically an uncountable noun (e.g., 'a bag of canary seed'). You can count individual seeds, but the product name is mass noun.
The small seeds of the canary grass (Phalaris canariensis), used primarily as bird food.
Canary seed is usually specialist, agricultural in register.
Canary seed: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈneə.ri siːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈner.i siːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) fine as canary seed (archaic simile for something very small or granular)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CANARY SEED: What a CANARY would NEED to eat.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOURCE FOR NOURISHMENT (e.g., 'His research was the canary seed for her theory' – rare, poetic).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'canary seed' primarily used for?