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

Point your feet out slightly like a penguin. —Doyle Rice, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025

The post also offered a glimpse of some of the other decor in Kotb’s stunning home, including the red stockings adorned with penguins and snowmen that can be seen hanging above the fireplace. —Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025

The timeline mimics the spring to summer breeding season that African penguins follow in their native habitats in South Africa and Namibia. —Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025

The city is a mecca for culture, architecture, dining, and waterfront attractions, and is known for its easy access to famous wine regions like Stellenbosch and the penguins of Boulders Beach. —Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 5 Dec. 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