sea swallow

American  

noun

1. any of several terns, especially Sterna hirundo.

2. British Dialect. any of several small petrels, especially the storm petrel, Hydrobates pelagicus.

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sea swallow British  

noun

1. a popular name for tern 1

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Etymology

Origin of sea swallow

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

Or would it rather evacuate and abandon them, letting the sea swallow the remains of their homes?

From Washington Post • Sep. 2, 2022

"Like the wings of a snow white sea swallow Writing mating signs on the blue sky of Heaven Flashed his quick hands of entreaty, In the little love sign talk he taught her."

From The Fire Bird by Stratton-Porter, Gene

I wonder will ever we return, or will the great sea swallow us up?

From Wild Adventures round the Pole The Cruise of the "Snowbird" Crew in the "Arrandoon" by Stables, Gordon

The Little Mary imitated all our evolutions, skimming over the waves like a sea swallow.

From Travels in the Steppes of the Caspian Sea, the Crimea, the Caucasus, &c. by Hell, Xavier Hommaire de

"You are handsome, but may the sea swallow you up before you come back!"

From Mare Nostrum (Our Sea) A Novel by Jordan, Charlotte Brewster