petrel

noun

pe·​trel ˈpe-trəl How to pronounce petrel (audio) ˈpē- How to pronounce petrel (audio)
: any of numerous seabirds (especially families Procellariidae and Hydrobatidae)
especially : one of the smaller long-winged birds that fly far from land compare storm petrel

Examples of petrel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Like many of New Zealand’s native birds, giant petrels face several threats. Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025 The black-winged petrel—a seabird whose breeding success was once as low as 2.5%—experienced a dramatic increase to 67% following the removal of the rodents, according to an August 2022 study published in Bird Conservation International. Scott Travers, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 As a result, boobies, shearwaters, petrels, and other seabirds have recovered, and island creatures from lizards to stick insects have reclaimed their homes. Byelizabeth Pennisi, science.org, 19 Sep. 2024 When the storm dies down, the mass of birds will probably dissipate, Kyle Horton, a researcher at Colorado State University who studies bird migration, told Vox. Storms like Helene can blow seabirds like petrels, jaegers, and frigatebirds far inland. Benji Jones, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 See all Example Sentences for petrel 

Word History

Etymology

earlier also pitteril, pitteral, of obscure origin

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of petrel was in 1602

Dictionary Entries Near petrel

Cite this Entry

“Petrel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petrel. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

petrel

noun
pe·​trel ˈpe-trəl How to pronounce petrel (audio) ˈpē- How to pronounce petrel (audio)
: any of various seabirds with long wings that fly far from land

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