Canary

A Canary is a small, yellow songbird native to the Canary Islands. Known for their melodious singing, canaries have been popular pets for centuries, often kept in cages for their beautiful vocalizations. Historically, they were also employed in coal mines to detect dangerous gases like carbon monoxide due to their sensitivity.

Canary meaning with examples

• The canary's cheerful song filled the sunlit room, its bright yellow feathers a vibrant contrast to the wooden cage. I watched it enjoy its seed. This pet's lively singing lifted my mood after a tough day at work and was my constant companion.
• Miners once relied on canaries to detect poisonous gases underground; if the Canary stopped singing or showed signs of distress, it signaled danger. The Canary was the first line of defense for the entire team. This was a great sacrifice.
• During the Victorian era, Canary breeding became a widespread hobby, with breeders striving to develop new song variations and feather colors. The canary's beauty and sound were greatly coveted, leading to new breeds and even greater singing ability.
• A Canary yellow dress brightened the summer day; the color evoked the bird's sunny disposition. The yellow was a sign of the bird and its characteristics. Everyone was very impressed with the outfit.
• The metaphor 'canary in a coal mine' describes something that serves as an early warning of potential danger or failure. The canary's sacrifice warns of impending doom, with the bird suffering the repercussions first.