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 pelicans eat between 25 and 50 pounds of fish per day, and the center needs help funding its rescue effort. —Brooke Baitinger, Sacramento Bee, 9 May 2024

The massive slick of oil engulfed and killed hundreds of marine animals, including, seals, dolphins and pelicans. —Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2024

There are some missteps, like a pelican character controlled by a fish in its mouth and three cute bunnies who appear adorable and yet are deeply psychotic. —Mark Kennedy, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024

The birds quickly progressed as hunters, soon targeting gulls, pelicans and other birds. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Oct. 2024

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