penguin

noun

pen·​guin ˈpen-gwən 

ˈpeŋ-

: any of various erect short-legged flightless aquatic birds (family Spheniscidae) of the southern hemisphere

Examples of penguin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Here, seething with envy at his counterpart in the North, Anta Claus sets out on a penguin-power journey to discover the secrets of a perfect Christmas. —John Hopewell, Variety, 16 June 2026

Sure, Antarctica has penguins, but the Arctic lures travelers north with polar bears and walruses, especially in the remote Svalbard archipelago. —Stefanie Waldek, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 June 2026

This year, after the death of a few penguins from old age or illness, the zoo secured approval to pair up penguin parents, said curator Quinn Brown. —CBS News, 13 June 2026

Standing Penguins The standing penguin exercise also targets the gluteus medius, helping to keep your knee stable and tracking correctly. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 8 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

obsolete English penguin great auk, perhaps from Welsh pen gwyn white head (applied to the bird in winter plumage)

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing penguin

• Adélie penguin
• chinstrap penguin
• emperor penguin
• gentoo penguin
• king penguin
• macaroni penguin
• Magellanic penguin

Kids Definition

penguin

noun

pen·​guin ˈpen-gwən 

ˈpeŋ-

: any of various short-legged seabirds of the southern hemisphere that cannot fly and have wings functioning as flippers and used in swimming