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albatross

noun al·ba·tross \ ˈal-bə-ˌtrȯs , -ˌträs \

Definition of albatross

plural albatross or albatrosses
1 :any of a family (Diomedeidae) of large web-footed seabirds that have long slender wings, are excellent gliders, and include the largest seabirds
2 a :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.

See albatross defined for English-language learners

See albatross defined for kids

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Examples of albatross in a Sentence

  1. Fame has become an albatross that prevents her from leading a normal and happy life.

  2. Fame has become an albatross around her neck.

Recent Examples of albatross from the Web

These 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.

Why is albatross used to refer to a burden?

The albatross is an exceedingly large seabird, having a wingspan as much as 11 feet across. It is a magnificent glider, capable of staying aloft for hours at a time without flapping its wings, and tends to remain almost entirely at sea, typically coming ashore only to breed.

In Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s 1798 poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, the titular mariner kills an albatross that has been following his ship, bringing down a curse that leads to the death of all other crew members. As a punishment, the crew hang the dead bird from the mariner’s neck, and he remains alive to witness the ship’s fate unfold. This potent emblem led to the coining of a metaphorical meaning for albatross as something that causes anxiety or guilt or that burdens and encumbers.

Illustration of albatross

Origin and Etymology of albatross

probably alteration of obsolete alcatrace frigate bird, from Spanish or Portuguese alcatraz pelican, from Arabic al-ghaṭṭās, a kind of sea eagle

Other Birds Terms

aerie, bunting, clutch, covey, hackle, ratite, rictus, ruff, skein, zygodactyl

ALBATROSS Defined for English Language Learners

albatross

noun

Definition of albatross for English Language Learners

  • : a large white ocean bird that has very long wings

  • : a continuing problem that makes it difficult or impossible to do or achieve something

ALBATROSS Defined for Kids

albatross

noun al·ba·tross \ ˈal-bə-ˌtrȯs \

Definition of albatross for Students

:a very large seabird with webbed feet

Learn More about albatross

  1. See words that rhyme with albatross Spanish Central: Translation of albatross Nglish: Translation of albatross for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about albatross

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Examples: albatross in a Sentence
Editor's Note: Why is albatross used to refer to a burden?