gannet

[gan-it]

noun

1. any large, web-footed, seabird of the family Sulidae, having a sharply pointed bill, long wings, and a wedge-shaped tail, noted for its plunging dives for fish.

gannet

/ ˈɡænɪt /

noun

1. any of several heavily built marine birds of the genus Morus (or Sula ), having a long stout bill and typically white plumage with dark markings: family Sulidae, order Pelecaniformes (pelicans, cormorants, etc) See also booby

2. slang,  a gluttonous or greedy person

Word History and Origins

Origin of gannet¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English ganot; akin to Dutch gent gander

Word History and Origins

Origin of gannet¹

Old English ganot; related to Old High German gannazzo gander

Example Sentences

The largest number expected to be killed are kittiwakes followed by gannets and herring gulls.

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American photographer Kat Zhou won British Waters Wide-Angle, with an image of dive-bombing gannets in Shetland.

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Most people get upset and angry at the sight of gannets sitting on nests of nylon ropes, and whales drifting ashore with their stomachs full of plastic.

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It said preliminary investigations in a small sample size of some species of seabird, including northern gannets and shag, showed the development of immunity to the H5N1 virus.

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The ban could also benefit two other endangered seabirds, the Cape gannet and Cape cormorant, that also rely on sardine and anchovy as their primary food source, Waller says.

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