cormorant

noun

cor·​mo·​rant ˈkȯrm-rənt How to pronounce cormorant (audio)
ˈkȯr-mə-,
ˈkȯr-mə-ˌrant
1
: any of various dark-colored web-footed waterbirds (family Phalacrocoracidae, especially genus Phalacrocorax) that have a long neck, hooked bill, and distensible throat pouch
2
: a gluttonous, greedy, or rapacious person

Illustration of cormorant

Illustration of cormorant

Examples of cormorant in a Sentence

Diamond Jim Brady was perhaps the most celebrated cormorant of the Gilded Age.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In others, huddles of cormorants gather on the black sand beaches, and sea lions bark from the rocks. John Bartlett, NPR, 8 June 2025 On a dolphin discovery tour, guests can see dolphins, egrets, pelicans, gulls, herons, cormorants and the occasional sea turtle. Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2025 End the day near Morro Rock to watch the sunset or spot sea lions, cormorants and pelicans living around it. Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025 Giant petrels and imperial cormorants come to nest, and sea lions and Magellanic penguins congregate. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cormorant

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cormeraunt, from Middle French cormorant, from Old French cormareng, from corp raven + marenc of the sea, from Latin marinus — more at corbel, marine

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cormorant was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cormorant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cormorant. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

cormorant

noun
cor·​mo·​rant ˈkȯrm-(ə-)rənt How to pronounce cormorant (audio)
ˈkȯr-mə-ˌrant
: any of various dark-colored web-footed seabirds with a long neck, a hooked bill, and a patch of bare often brightly colored skin under the mouth

More from Merriam-Webster on cormorant

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