The word "redwing" is spelled /ˈrɛdˌwɪŋ/. It is composed of two syllables, the first being "red" pronounced /rɛd/ referring to the color, and the second being "wing" pronounced /wɪŋ/, referencing a bird's appendage. Phonetically, "red" is pronounced with a short "e" sound followed by a soft "d" sound, while "wing" is pronounced with a hard "w" sound followed by a short "i" and a hard "ng" sound. Together, "redwing" spells out the name of a bird species known for the red feathers under its wings.
Redwing has multiple definitions depending on the context in which it is used.
1. Noun: A redwing refers to a medium-sized songbird belonging to the Thrush family (Turdus iliacus) characterized by black feathers with bright red patches on its wings. It is native to Eurasia, particularly in northern regions, and is known for its musical and melodious song. The redwing is an adept migratory bird, often seen in large flocks during colder months.
2. Noun: Redwing also refers to a type of fruit commonly known as the red-winged blackberry (Rubus leucodermis) due to its vibrant red appearance. It is a species of blackberry native to North America and is known for its sweet and juicy taste, often used in pies, jams, and various culinary preparations.
3. Noun: In sports, redwing is the informal name for the professional ice hockey team called the Detroit Red Wings. They are a part of the National Hockey League (NHL) and have an emblem featuring a red wing on their jerseys.
4. Noun: Redwing can also be a compound word referring to the reddish-brown feathers found on the upper surface of the wings of certain bird species, giving them a distinctive reddish appearance.
Overall, redwing commonly refers to a specific species of bird, a type of fruit, a sports team, or the reddish coloration of bird feathers.
The word "redwing" is derived from Old English "readewinge", which consists of two elements: "reade" meaning "red" and "winge" meaning "wing". The term originally referred to the Eurasian redwing (Turdus iliacus), a migratory bird species known for its reddish-brown wings. Over time, the term "redwing" has been applied to other bird species as well, particularly in North America, where the red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is commonly associated with the term.