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Synonyms

seagull

American  
[see-guhl] / ˈsiˌgʌl /
Or sea gull

noun

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

seagull British  
/ ˈsiːˌɡʌl /

noun

  1. a popular name for gull 1

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

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Vocabulary lists containing seagull

Birds, Birds, Birds, List 1

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For 137 years it has welcomed locals, tourists and one very persistent seagull.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

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

Ross had been criticised on Wednesday after he delayed a vote on landmark justice reforms to raise concerns about the government's seagull summit.

From BBC • Sep. 18, 2025

She did run, though, and Pantalaimon flew up as a seagull to watch where the bear went and called down to tell her where to follow.

From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.