fieldfare: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low/Very LowSpecialist (Ornithology); Formal/Literary; Geographic (in place names)
Quick answer
What does “fieldfare” mean?
A medium-sized thrush of northern Eurasia, with a grey head, chestnut back, and spotted breast, often seen in flocks in open country during winter.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medium-sized thrush of northern Eurasia, with a grey head, chestnut back, and spotted breast, often seen in flocks in open country during winter.
In ornithology and general nature contexts, it refers specifically to the bird species *Turdus pilaris*. It may also appear in place names, surnames, or historical/poetic texts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The bird is a rare winter visitor to North America, so the term is essentially unknown in general American English. In British English, it is known to birdwatchers and in certain regional areas.
Connotations
In the UK, it often connotes a winter migrant, rural landscapes, and seasonal change. In the US, it has no general connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, but marginally higher in UK English due to the bird's presence as a winter visitor.
Grammar
How to Use “fieldfare” in a Sentence
A fieldfare (subject) + verb (e.g., landed, fed, flew)We saw/observed/spotted a fieldfare (object)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in ornithological and ecological papers and field guides.
Everyday
Rare. Used by birdwatchers, gardeners, or in rural UK contexts discussing winter wildlife.
Technical
Exclusively ornithological.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fieldfare”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fieldfare”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fieldfare”
- Spelling as 'fieldfair' or 'fieldfear'.
- Using it as a general term for any thrush.
- Assuming it is common in North America.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In the UK, they may visit larger gardens, especially in rural areas with berry bushes, but they are more typical of open farmland, hedgerows, and woodland edges.
Historically, they were eaten in pies, but they are now protected by law in many countries and are not part of modern cuisine.
Look for a distinctive grey head and rump, a chestnut-brown back, black tail, and a heavily speckled cream-and-black breast.
The name comes from Middle English, combining 'field' with 'fare' (meaning traveller or journey), referring to its habit of travelling across open country.
A medium-sized thrush of northern Eurasia, with a grey head, chestnut back, and spotted breast, often seen in flocks in open country during winter.
Fieldfare is usually specialist (ornithology); formal/literary; geographic (in place names) in register.
Fieldfare: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfiːldfeə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfiːldfɛr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(No common idioms)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bird that travels (fares) across the fields in winter.
Conceptual Metaphor
A fieldfare can be a metaphor for a seasonal visitor, a harbinger of winter, or a symbol of the wild, untamed countryside.
Practice
Quiz
What is a fieldfare?