Definition of "goldfinch"

Any of several small passerine birds of the finch family

1. A European goldfinch, Eurasian goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)  examples

2. An American goldfinch (Spinus tristis, syn. Carduelis tristis)  examples

3. A Lawrence's goldfinch (Spinus lawrencei, syn. Carduelis lawrencei)  examples

4. A lesser goldfinch (Spinus psaltria, syn. Carduelis psaltria).  examples