pelican

noun

pel·​i·​can ˈpe-li-kən 

: any of a genus (Pelecanus) of large web-footed fish-eating birds with a very large bill and distensible gular pouch

Examples of pelican in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nesting waterbirds Herons, egrets and pelicans are putting on quite a show in mangroves and tree islands throughout South Florida. —Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026

There have been pelicans injured in attacks and sick animals brought in by good Samaritans and city crews. —Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 9 Mar. 2026

Even the attractions here skew mellow, from the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center to the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, the longest on the Gulf, where anglers cast lines as pelicans glide overhead. —Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026

Birders will appreciate the abundance of egrets, ibis, and pelicans here too. —Pam Leblanc, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English pellican, from Late Latin pelecanus, from Greek pelekan

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pelican

• brown pelican
• pelican crossing

Kids Definition

pelican

noun

pel·​i·​can ˈpel-i-kən 

: any of a genus of large web-footed birds with a very large bill having a pouch on the lower part used to scoop in fish for food