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

Acquiring a penguin must provide cameos for a joker. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 20 Mar. 2026

Nearby, visit Mystic Aquarium to see the beloved beluga whales, African penguins, and sea lions before heading to dinner for sushi at Pink Basil. —Morgan Rizzo, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2026

Rather than going with a classic black penguin suit, Kelly and his team, which consists of stylist Warren Alfie Baker and his groomer Jessica Ortiz, put a fun twist on the archetype by sporting a chestnut brown dinner jacket. —Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 16 Mar. 2026

Shaboozey Shaboozey remixing the classic penguin suit is music to our ears. —Erin Jensen, USA Today, 16 Mar. 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