flamingo

American  

[fluh-ming-goh] / fləˈmɪŋ goʊ /

noun

plural

flamingos, flamingoes

1. any of several aquatic birds of the family Phoenicopteridae, having very long legs and neck, webbed feet, a bill bent downward at the tip, and pinkish to scarlet plumage.

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flamingo British  

/ fləˈmɪŋɡəʊ /

noun

1. any large wading bird of the family Phoenicopteridae , having a pink-and-red plumage and downward-bent bill and inhabiting brackish lakes: order Ciconiiformes

2. 1. a reddish-orange colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      flamingo gloves

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Etymology

Origin of flamingo

1555–65; compare Portuguese flamengo, Spanish flamenco literally, Fleming ( cf. flamenco); apparently originally a jocular name, from the conventional Romance image of the Flemish as ruddy-complexioned

Explanation

A flamingo is a large, long-necked pink bird that often stands on one leg. Florida is one of the few places in the U.S. to see flamingos, aside from zoos. Though very few real flamingos are native to North America, you can spot the pink plastic lawn ornament version in front yards from California to Maine. These distinctive birds get their coloring from their food, and when flamingos in zoos aren't fed shrimp, their feathers fade to a white shade, rather than salmon pink. Flamingo is derived from the Spanish flamengo, "flame-colored."

Example Sentences

The decision comes after years of often bitter debate between theme park operator Flamingo Land and people living in the area who campaigned against the plan to build a waterpark, monorail, hotel and restaurants.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

Flamingo Gardens is just 20 minutes from Fort Lauderdale Airport, making it an excellent pit stop before heading home.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2026

Even though the Flamingo is still a work in progress, Hoffmann said the advent of a homegrown defense industry in Ukraine capable of producing long-range weapons is already a major development.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 11, 2026

Ukraine’s first declared use of the Flamingo was in August, against a Russian naval base in Crimea.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 11, 2026

Sheed’s speed was a natural gift, one he hoped to use as a Fry Flamingo one day.

From "The Last Last-Day-of-Summer" by Lamar Giles