Meaning of the word cardinal in English

What does cardinal mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

cardinal

US /ˈkɑːr.dɪ.nəl/
UK /ˈkɑːr.dɪ.nəl/
"cardinal" picture

Noun

1.

a North American songbird of the family Cardinalidae, the male of which is typically bright red.

Example:
A bright red cardinal landed on the bird feeder.
The sound of the cardinal's song filled the morning air.
2.

a leading dignitary of the Roman Catholic Church, nominated by the Pope and forming the Sacred College which elects succeeding Popes.

Example:
The new cardinal was appointed by the Pope.
He hopes to become a cardinal one day.

Adjective

1.

of prime importance; fundamental.

Example:
Respect for human rights is a cardinal principle.
He made a cardinal error in his calculations.
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