flamingo

noun

fla·​min·​go flə-ˈmiŋ-(ˌ)gō 

plural flamingos also flamingoes

: any of several large aquatic birds (family Phoenicopteridae) with long legs and neck, webbed feet, a broad lamellate bill resembling that of a duck but abruptly bent downward, and usually rosy-white plumage with scarlet wing coverts and black wing quills

Illustration of flamingo

Examples of flamingo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This new chronograph model features a captivating turquoise dial that draws inspiration from the tropical waters where flamingos thrive, offering a unique twist on traditional watch aesthetics. —Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission considers the flamingo to be native to Florida, and the bird has cultural ties to the state, as indicated in the 21-foot-tall flamingo statue at Tampa International Airport. —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025

The lagoon is designated as an Important Bird Area and known for supporting populations of native birds, including Chilean flamingos. —Lana Bortolot, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025

Bills backing the flamingo and the scrub jay have been proposed in recent years but have not passed. —News Service Of Florida, Sun Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

obsolete Spanish flamengo (now flamenco), literally, Fleming, German (conventionally thought of as ruddy-complexioned)

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

flamingo

noun

fla·​min·​go flə-ˈmiŋ-gō 

plural flamingos also flamingoes

: any of several rosy-white birds with scarlet wings, a very long neck and legs, and a broad bill bent down at the end that are often found wading in shallow water

Etymology

from Portuguese flamingo "flamingo," from Spanish flamenco "flamingo," derived from Latin flamma "flame"; so called from the fiery red feathers on the underside of the wings