seagull

American  

[see-guhl] / ˈsiˌgʌl /

Or sea gull

noun

1. a gull, especially any of the marine species.

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seagull British  

/ ˈsiːˌɡʌl /

noun

1. a popular name for gull 1

2. a casual wharf labourer who is not a trade-union member

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Etymology

Origin of seagull

First recorded in 1535–45; sea + gull ¹

Explanation

A seagull is a common, noisy shorebird. If a bird swoops down and steals your French fries as you're walking along the boardwalk, it was probably a seagull. Although the large gray and white birds that follow lobster boats and congregate on beaches are officially called gulls, most people use the colloquial seagull. These sea birds have wide wingspans and webbed feet. They live in large groups and thrive alongside humans, scavenging trash and food waste in addition to eating fish and crustaceans. Described as "opportunistic feeders," seagulls are also highly adept at stealing the fish and chips right off your tray.

Example Sentences

And then there is another regular customer - a hungry seagull who has become well-known to staff there.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

Yurdum Spor is considering adding a seagull to its logo in tribute.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

The seagull reportedly suffered a damaged wing but it was not immediately clear what happened to it after the match.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

“She really saved my life,” he said of Becker, whose name Bernthal has lovingly tattooed on his forearm, along with the emblem for the Moscow Art Theatre, a seagull in flight.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2025

Another seagull screams at them from above, before it dives down and snatches it from under them.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Related Words

• circle
• climb
• cross
• drift
• float
• flutter
• glide
• operate
• pilot
• reach
• rush
• sail
• shoot
• speed
• swoop
• take off
• travel