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

Standing Penguins The standing penguin exercise also targets the gluteus medius, helping to keep your knee stable and tracking correctly. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 8 June 2026

In addition to this itinerary, White Desert operates remote camps in Antarctica, flying guests from Cape Town and offering the chance to sleep on the Seventh Continent while exploring penguin colonies, going on glacier hikes, and even visiting the South Pole. —Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2026

That’s the power of the penguin. —Haley Kluge, Variety, 1 June 2026

Harry also gifted Meghan a bronze sculpture of two penguins, making for a meaningful present as bronze is a symbol of strength for eighth wedding anniversaries, and the animals are part of a sweet memory. —Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026

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