canary
UK: kəˈneə.ri | US: kəˈner.i
n. 1. A small, brightly colored yellow songbird (Serinus canaria), often kept as a pet.
n. 2. (Historical) A wine produced in the Canary Islands.
n. 3. (Informal) A person hired to test conditions (e.g., safety) by entering a hazardous area first (metaphorically, like a "canary in a coal mine").
The word "canary" traces back to the Latin Canariae Insulae ("Islands of Dogs"), referring to the Canary Islands, where wild dogs (Latin canis) were noted by early explorers. The bird, native to these islands, was named after its geographic origin. Over time, "canary" expanded metaphorically to describe things associated with the islands (e.g., wine) and later as a symbol of early warning (from mining practices using the birds to detect gas).
She bought a canary for its cheerful singing.
The 16th-century English aristocracy prized Canary wine.
Miners once carried canaries to detect toxic gases.
His role in the project was the canary—testing risks before the team proceeded.
The bright yellow canary perched on the windowsill.