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 cayos—or keys—are plops of milky sand ringed by bright verdigris; the waters are roaming territory for squid, turtles, pelicans, and iguanas. —Lydia Bell, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Dec. 2024

Although situated on the edge of downtown Klamath Falls, the Link River was, and probably still is, a little patch of semi-wilderness, teeming with wildlife such as huge pelicans which patrol its waters in search of food. —Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2024

According to Game and Fish, pelicans tend to be spotted at water sources like rivers and riparian habitats because these spots offer clean water and safety. —Zach Bradshaw, The Arizona Republic, 23 Oct. 2024

The tiny island is home to brown and white pelicans, roseate spoonbills, owls, ospreys, terns, herons, egrets, and other shore birds. —Kara Franker, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 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