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

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

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

A footballer acted on a wing and a prayer when he gave emergency CPR to a seagull after it was hit by a ball during a match in Istanbul this week -- reviving the bird.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

People have used the audio to share funny and chaotic holiday videos - one of the most watched is of a woman on a rollercoaster who gets hit in the chest by a seagull.

From BBC • Jul. 31, 2025

In 2023 Blackpool Zoo asked for candidates to become official seagull scarers, which involved dressing up as birds.

From BBC • May 16, 2025

Immediately, far above them, a single seagull was seen to come away from the rest of the flock and go flying off with a long string trailing from its neck.

From "James and the Giant Peach" by Roald Dahl

Related Words

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