redpoll: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2technical, formal (in ornithology), informal (in birdwatching contexts)
Quick answer
What does “redpoll” mean?
A type of small finch bird, typically with a red forehead patch.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of small finch bird, typically with a red forehead patch.
Specifically refers to species of passerine birds in the finch family Fringillidae, genus Acanthis. It can also refer to a cultivar of the apple tree (Malus domestica) bearing red-tinged fruit. The primary usage is ornithological.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage, as it is a technical term for the same birds. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Neutral in both regions; simply denotes the bird species.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse in both regions. Slightly more likely to be encountered in the UK due to the presence of native species (e.g., the Common or Lesser Redpoll, Acanthis cabaret).
Grammar
How to Use “redpoll” in a Sentence
The [adjective] redpoll [verb]...A flock of redpolls [verb]...To identify a redpoll by its...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “redpoll” 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 ornithology, zoology, and environmental science papers.
Everyday
Rare, only among birdwatchers or in specific regional contexts where the bird is common.
Technical
Primary usage. Precise identification of species (e.g., 'The specimen was confirmed as a Common Redpoll, Acanthis flammea.')
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “redpoll”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “redpoll”
- Misspelling as 'redpole' (a pole that is red).
- Using it as a general term for any small red bird.
- Incorrect capitalisation (it is not a proper noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialised term used mainly in ornithology and birdwatching.
Yes, but rarely. It can also be the name of a cultivar of apple tree with red-tinted fruit.
It is pronounced /ˈrɛdpoʊl/ in American English and /ˈrɛdpəʊl/ in British English, with stress on the first syllable.
As the name suggests, most species have a distinctive red patch or 'poll' on their forehead.
A type of small finch bird, typically with a red forehead patch.
Redpoll is usually technical, formal (in ornithology), informal (in birdwatching contexts) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a concrete noun with no idiomatic usage.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a small bird with a POLL (top of its head) that is RED. A RED POLL.
Conceptual Metaphor
None commonly associated.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'redpoll' primarily?