albatross
noun
-ˌträs\
Definition of albatross
1 : any of a family (Diomedeidae) of large web-footed seabirds that have long slender wings, are excellent gliders, and include the largest seabirds
2a : something that causes persistent deep concern or anxiety
b : something that greatly hinders accomplishment : encumbrance Fame has become an albatross that prevents her from leading a normal life.
3 golf, chiefly British : a score of three under par made on a hole : double eagle The first play-off at Augusta followed the most famous single stroke in Masters history, Sarazen's albatross, or double eagle as the Americans prefer to describe such accidents of fortune, at the 15th.— P. A. Ward-Thomas
Illustration of albatross
albatross 1
Keep scrolling for more
Examples of albatross in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
So why not flip one albatross contract for another? — Rob Mahoney, SI.com, "Trade Grades: Charlotte, Chicago and Orlando Complete Pragmatic Three-Team Trade," 8 July 2018 England too have suffered with the albatross of a single World Cup win. — SI.com, "How Luis Enrique Must Force Quick Transition to Stop Spain Returning to the Mediocre Years," 10 July 2018 Free agent Joe Harris, a 6-6 shooting guard, probably has a higher upside but this isn't an albatross contract. — J. Michael, Indianapolis Star, "Breaking down Pacers' decision to open free agency by signing journeyman Doug McDermott," 1 July 2018 Many Republicans — especially those from competitive swing districts — view the separation of families as a political albatross, though the policy has been backed by some conservatives. — Ron Nixon, BostonGlobe.com, "Border officials suspend handing over migrant families to prosecutors," 25 June 2018 Once an albatross, the school’s location south of Downtown is now an asset, attracting students drawn to a university in a city brimming with cultural cred. — Alex Bhattacharji, Town & Country, "Can USC Survive Scandal and Shed Its Spoiled-Kid Reputation Once and For All?," 10 July 2018 Brooks Koepka became the eighth player with a 63 on Sunday, making an albatross 2 on the par-5 16th. — Doug Ferguson, chicagotribune.com, "Webb Simpson completes a big win at Players Championship," 13 May 2018 Brooks Koepka became the eighth player with a 63 on Sunday, making an albatross 2 on the par-5 16th. — Doug Ferguson, Houston Chronicle, "Webb Simpson completes a big win at Players Championship," 13 May 2018 Lydia Ko nearly made an albatross on the first playoff hole en route to her first victory in nearly two years. — Daniel Rapaport, SI.com, "FORE Questions: How Can the Zurich Classic Be Improved?," 30 Apr. 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'albatross.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for albatross
albatross
noun
English Language Learners Definition of albatross
: a large white ocean bird that has very long wings
: a continuing problem that makes it difficult or impossible to do or achieve something
See the full definition for albatross in the English Language Learners Dictionary
albatross
noun
\
Kids Definition of albatross
: a very large seabird with webbed feet
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on albatross
What made you want to look up albatross? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Difficult Vocab Quiz
-
- Which is a synonym of discomfit?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Share albatross
Resources for albatross