petrel

noun

pe·​trel ˈpe-trəl  ˈpē- 

: any of numerous seabirds (especially families Procellariidae and Hydrobatidae)

especially : one of the smaller long-winged birds that fly far from land compare storm petrel

Examples of petrel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Birds abound across the shores of Duiker Island, with Sandwich terns, giant petrels and sooty shearwaters being just a few of the creatures that might make an appearance, while lucky guests might see a penguin or two bobbing along the water as well. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

If fish are difficult to find and aren’t plentiful — if the food source shifts an extra 200 kilometers, say, and an adult petrel therefore has to fly 800 km for food — the journey takes longer, and will affect the chick’s growth. —Ariel Saramandi, The Dial, 29 July 2025

Giant petrels and imperial cormorants come to nest, and sea lions and Magellanic penguins congregate. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 7 May 2025

This 70-gram bird, often found in groups of 8 to 40, has been observed pecking at wounded animals, particularly seabirds like Galápagos petrels, to access their blood. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

earlier also pitteril, pitteral, of obscure origin

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing petrel

• storm petrel
• stormy petrel

Rhymes for petrel

• diametral

Kids Definition

petrel

noun

pe·​trel ˈpe-trəl  ˈpē- 

: any of various seabirds with long wings that fly far from land