redbird: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Regional (primarily US), Ornithological
Quick answer
What does “redbird” mean?
A bird with predominantly red plumage, especially the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) in North American English.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A bird with predominantly red plumage, especially the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) in North American English.
Can informally refer to any bird with notable red coloring, such as some species of tanager. Also a nickname for various sports teams, schools, or aircraft (e.g., a red-painted racing car or plane).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Virtually unused in British English. In American English, it is a recognized informal and regional term, especially in the Southern and Midland US.
Connotations
In AmE: evokes a rustic, folksy, or nostalgic tone, often associated with rural life and backyard birdwatching. In BrE: likely unrecognized or perceived as an Americanism.
Frequency
Low frequency in general AmE, moderate in specific US regions. Extremely low to zero in BrE.
Grammar
How to Use “redbird” in a Sentence
[Determiner] + redbird + [Verb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “redbird” in a Sentence
adjective
American English
- He drove an old redbird Ford Mustang.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in brand names (e.g., Redbird Capital).
Academic
Used informally in ecology/ornithology discussions; formal papers use the species' scientific or common name (e.g., cardinal).
Everyday
Used in casual conversation, primarily in parts of the US. 'Look, a redbird!'
Technical
Not a standard technical term in ornithology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “redbird”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “redbird”
- Using 'redbird' in formal writing. Capitalizing it when not a proper noun (e.g., 'I saw a Redbird' vs. 'I saw a redbird').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, in American English, especially regionally. However, 'cardinal' is the standard common name.
It would likely not be understood. Use 'cardinal' (though the bird is not native to the UK) or describe it as a 'bright red bird'.
Yes, it is a closed compound noun formed from 'red' + 'bird'.
Yes, it can be a nickname for sports teams (e.g., Illinois State University Redbirds), a term for certain red trains or aircraft, and is used in brand names.
A bird with predominantly red plumage, especially the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) in North American English.
Redbird is usually informal, regional (primarily us), ornithological in register.
Redbird: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛdbɜːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛdˌbɝd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As welcome as a redbird in spring (Southern US, implying something familiar and pleasant).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RED Christmas CARDINAL on a holiday CARD. 'Redbird' is the casual name for that red cardinal.
Conceptual Metaphor
REDBIRD IS A LIVING EMBLEM (of a state, region, or season).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'redbird' most appropriately used?