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

There was some grumbling about a potential slight of pelicans and whether flamingos should be considered native to Florida. —Douglas Hanks may 6, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026

In 1998, as many as 1,000 birds – mostly pelicans, wading birds and raptors – died around Lake Apopka, a tragedy blamed on poisoning from the pesticides used on the muck farms. —Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 May 2026

Wildlife such as pelicans, sea lions, and migrating gray whales (particularly in December and May) may be spotted along the way. —Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2026

Perrigue has lived on Lake Conroe for five years and the pelicans are one of her favorite parts of the lake. —Sondra Hernandez, Houston Chronicle, 18 Apr. 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