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

This led to a scarcity of food supplies for fish, seals, penguins and whales. —Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025

The wildlife featured is a curious mix, with giraffe, eland, rhino and elephant being the most common species, but also cattle, whales and even penguins. —Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025

Taking aim at China, Canada, Mexico and even uninhabited islands home to only penguins and seals, Trump initiated a broader trade war that rattled companies and consumers around the world. —Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025

While the younger kids will enjoy seeing penguins, and sea lions up close, older kids can enjoy swimming with dolphins and feeding sea turtles. —Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 23 July 2025

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