pelican

noun

pel·​i·​can ˈpe-li-kən 

: any of a genus (Pelecanus) of large web-footed fish-eating birds with a very large bill and distensible gular pouch

Examples of pelican in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The city is continuing to apply for environmental and other permits and drawing up plans for sanitation and maintenance as pelicans commandeer the pier in the absence of humans, Reyes said. —Steven Mihailovich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Aug. 2025

The foghorn blew every 30 seconds and pelicans sailed above, doing a quick half corkscrew turn before diving. —Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025

Throughout the year, birdwatchers can find sandhill cranes, white pelicans, and even bald eagles. —Angela Lian, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2025

The best spot to view bald eagles, pelicans, and herons is the Gazebo Boardwalk, an easy 1.3-mile walk from the Nature Center for a 2.6-mile round-trip hike. —Jennifer Broome, Denver Post, 14 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English pellican, from Late Latin pelecanus, from Greek pelekan

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pelican

• brown pelican
• pelican crossing

Kids Definition

pelican

noun

pel·​i·​can ˈpel-i-kən 

: any of a genus of large web-footed birds with a very large bill having a pouch on the lower part used to scoop in fish for food