penguin

noun

pen·​guin ˈpen-gwən 

ˈpeŋ-

: any of various erect short-legged flightless aquatic birds (family Spheniscidae) of the southern hemisphere

Examples of penguin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, Wallace and Gromit are blissfully unaware that the penguin is hatching a plot to escape, enact revenge, and once again steal a priceless diamond. —Stephen Humphries, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Dec. 2024

The Humbolt penguins are back at the Milwaukee County Zoo. —Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 10 Dec. 2024

According to National Geographic, Emperor penguins often spend time on low-lying sea ice but have increasingly sought higher ice shelves, likely due to climate change. —Kelli Bender, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024

On the next floor down, Oz is all spruced up in a penguin suit, dancing with Eve, who’s dressed as Francis, and repeating the lines Oz quietly demands of her. —Andy Andersen, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

obsolete English penguin great auk, perhaps from Welsh pen gwyn white head (applied to the bird in winter plumage)

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing penguin

• Adélie penguin
• chinstrap penguin
• emperor penguin
• gentoo penguin
• king penguin
• macaroni penguin
• Magellanic penguin

Kids Definition

penguin

noun

pen·​guin ˈpen-gwən 

ˈpeŋ-

: any of various short-legged seabirds of the southern hemisphere that cannot fly and have wings functioning as flippers and used in swimming