albatross

American  

[al-buh-traws, -tros] / ˈæl bəˌtrɔs, -ˌtrɒs /

noun

1. any of several large, web-footed sea birds of the family Diomedeidae that have the ability to remain aloft for long periods.

2. a seemingly inescapable moral or emotional burden, as of guilt or responsibility.

3. something burdensome that impedes action or progress.

4. Textiles.

   1. a lightweight worsted fabric with a crepe or pebble finish.

   2. a plain-weave cotton fabric with a soft nap surface.

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albatross British  

/ ˈælbəˌtrɒs /

noun

1. any large oceanic bird of the genera Diomedea and Phoebetria, family Diomedeidae, of cool southern oceans: order Procellariiformes (petrels). They have long narrow wings and are noted for a powerful gliding flight See also wandering albatross

2. a constant and inescapable burden or handicap

   an albatross of debt

3. golf a score of three strokes under par for a hole

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Etymology

Origin of albatross

1675–85; variant of algatross frigate bird < Portuguese alcatraz pelican, probably < Arabic al-ghaṭṭāṣ a kind of sea eagle, literally, the diver; -b- for -g- perhaps by association with Latin albus white (the bird's color)

Explanation

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's an albatross — in which case it's somewhere between the first two. An albatross is one of the largest flying birds in the world. The word albatross comes from the Spanish and Portuguese word alcatraz meaning "pelican," but it's not just animals that this word describes. Think of the huge white prison on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco that hindered its inmates from going anywhere, reminding them daily of the guilt and burden of their crime — all feelings that are meant to be conjured by something that's an albatross in a person's life.

Example Sentences

Saadaoui said The Albatross, which had been established for 17 years by the previous owner, was a "successful business with a good customer base" where he regularly hosted wedding ceremonies and birthday parties.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

It's a shame that it takes a whole album to get meaty songs like "The Black Dog" or "The Albatross."

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2024

On June 14, The Times published a broader investigation documenting the problem across the country — including in Tulum and Playa del Carmen, two of the three cities authorities targeted in Operation Albatross.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 9, 2023

Hotel Albatross in Ballard: This place that called itself “A Safe Harbor for Marooned Souls” opened in 2015 courtesy of the owners of neighboring Ocho and Hazelwood, featuring live music alongside “Exotic Libations & Delectables.”

From Seattle Times • Feb. 25, 2023

“He’s a chief medical officer at Albatross Hospital,” Okeoma said, introducing him.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Related Words

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