herring gull

American  

noun

1. a common, large gull, Larus argentatus, of the Northern Hemisphere.

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herring gull British  

noun

1. a common gull, Larus argentatus, that has a white plumage with black-tipped wings and pink legs

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Etymology

Origin of herring gull

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

Example Sentences

Annual surveys have begun to record steady increases in eider ducks, guillemots, herring gulls and lesser-backed gulls on and around the island, year on year.

From BBC

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

From BBC

Gulls are in trouble in their natural spaces - and some species, such as herring gulls and lesser black-backed gulls are seeking refuge in coastal cities.

From BBC

The herring gull was already on the list.

From Salon

Five other seabirds were already on the list - the puffin, kittiwake, herring gull, roseate tern and arctic skua.

From BBC