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golden oriole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low
UK/ˌɡəʊl.dən ˈɔː.ri.əʊl/US/ˌɡoʊl.dən ˈɔːr.i.oʊl/

Formal, Technical (Ornithology), Literary

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Quick answer

What does “golden oriole” mean?

A medium-sized songbird, the Eurasian oriole (Oriolus oriolus), the male of which has striking yellow and black plumage.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A medium-sized songbird, the Eurasian oriole (Oriolus oriolus), the male of which has striking yellow and black plumage.

Sometimes refers to other similar species within the genus Oriolus with yellow plumage, but primarily denotes the Eurasian species. Can be used metaphorically in literature to denote something rare, beautiful, or vividly colored.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

In British English, 'golden oriole' is the standard term for Oriolus oriolus. In American English, 'Eurasian oriole' may be more common in technical ornithology, while 'oriole' alone refers to unrelated native species like the Baltimore oriole.

Connotations

UK: Evokes a specific, somewhat elusive summer migrant bird. US: May cause confusion with native orioles; the term has a more technical or exotic connotation.

Frequency

Used infrequently in general discourse in both regions. Higher frequency in UK/EU birdwatching contexts than in the US.

Grammar

How to Use “golden oriole” in a Sentence

The [ADJECTIVE] golden oriole [VERB past tense].

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
spot a golden oriolethe call of a golden oriolemale golden oriole
medium
rare golden oriolesighting of a golden oriolegolden oriole population
weak
beautiful golden oriolesee a golden oriolegolden oriole nest

Usage

Meaning in Context

Academic

Used in ornithological papers, ecological studies, and zoological texts.

Everyday

Used by birdwatchers and in nature documentaries; rarely in casual conversation.

Technical

Standard binomial nomenclature: Oriolus oriolus. Used in field guides, species surveys, and conservation literature.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “golden oriole”

Neutral

Eurasian orioleOriolus oriolus

Weak

yellow bird (imprecise)

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “golden oriole”

drab birdcommon sparrow

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “golden oriole”

  • Using 'oriole' alone to mean 'golden oriole' in a global context.
  • Mispronouncing 'oriole' with stress on the first syllable (it's on the first 'o': OR-i-ole).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the golden oriole (Eurasian oriole) is native to Europe and parts of Asia. American 'orioles' belong to a different family (Icteridae).

Its call is a distinctive, melodic, fluty whistle, often described as a melodic 'weela-weeoo' or 'or-ih-ole'.

The adult male has brilliant golden-yellow plumage on its body, contrasting with black wings and a black eye stripe.

Yes, in literary contexts it can metaphorically represent something beautiful, vibrant, rare, or elusive.

A medium-sized songbird, the Eurasian oriole (Oriolus oriolus), the male of which has striking yellow and black plumage.

Golden oriole is usually formal, technical (ornithology), literary in register.

Golden oriole: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡəʊl.dən ˈɔː.ri.əʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡoʊl.dən ˈɔːr.i.oʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “As elusive as a golden oriole.”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of 'ORI'OLE' as 'ORI'ental gold - a golden bird from the East.

Conceptual Metaphor

A GOLDEN ORIOLE IS A HIDDEN TREASURE (due to its striking color and elusive nature).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
Birdwatchers in Kent were thrilled to finally a golden oriole after years of searching.
Multiple Choice

In which context is the term 'golden oriole' most precisely used?

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