penguin

[peng-gwin, pen-]

noun

Ornithology.

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

2. Obsolete.,  great auk.

penguin

/ ˈpɛŋɡwɪn /

noun

1. 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

2. an obsolete name for great auk

Word 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of penguin¹

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

Example Sentences

Safeguarding this region would help preserve not only its iconic wildlife, such as penguins and seals, but also the hidden nurseries that sustain the Antarctic food web.

Read more on Science Daily

During his time in New Zealand, he kidnapped a penguin and kept it in his bathtub, only to send it back when the president of Otago United warned him he could face deportation if caught.

Read more on BBC

Animal welfare campaigners have called for the release of 15 penguins "trapped in a basement without sunlight or fresh air" in a demonstration held at the London Aquarium.

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Visitors can take a tour of a penguin colony nearby.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

I boldly say as I waddle because I’m also playing a penguin.

Read more on Los Angeles Times