PENGUIN Definition & Meaning

penguin

[ peng-gwin, pen- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Ornithology.

any of several flightless, aquatic birds of the family Spheniscidae, of the Southern Hemisphere, having webbed feet and wings reduced to flippers.
Obsolete. great auk.

penguin

/ ˈ��ɛŋɡ��ɪ�� /

noun

any flightless marine bird, such as Aptenodytes patagonica (king penguin) and Pygoscelis adeliae ( Adélie penguin ), of the order Sphenisciformes of cool southern, esp Antarctic, regions: they have wings modified as flippers, webbed feet, and feathers lacking barbs See also emperor penguin king penguin
an obsolete name for great auk

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of penguin¹

1570–80; origin uncertain; perhaps < Welsh pen gwyn literally, white head (referring to the great auk in its winter plumage); later misapplied to the Spheniscidae

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of penguin¹

C16: perhaps from Welsh pen gwyn, from pen head + gwyn white

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Example Sentences

Two tiny, remote Antarctic outposts populated by penguins and seals are among the obscure places targeted by the Trump administration's new tariffs.

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Dominic, who went to Oakwood primary school, loved dinosaurs and dreamed of adopting a penguin one day.

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The news that we were starting a trade war with penguins spread quickly after Trump's announcement.

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According to The Dolphin Company's website, species held at the park include bottlenose dolphins, rough-toothed dolphins, sea lions, penguins, harbour seals, birds and reptiles.

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Wandering the beach at sunrise, they discover an oil slick studded with penguin carcasses.

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