flamingo

noun

fla·​min·​go flə-ˈmiŋ-(ˌ)gō 

plural flamingos also flamingoes

: any of several large aquatic birds (family Phoenicopteridae) with long legs and neck, webbed feet, a broad lamellate bill resembling that of a duck but abruptly bent downward, and usually rosy-white plumage with scarlet wing coverts and black wing quills

Illustration of flamingo

Examples of flamingo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Family-friendly attractions offer unique experiences For an only-in-Florida experience, visit Sarasota Jungle Gardens and feed its resident flamingoes. — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Artists, tour guides and retirees wield flamingo cutouts, children’s art and bullhorns to protest against corruption, opaque land deals and environmental damage, increasingly calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama to step down. — Zana Cimili, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

The flamingo — one of several endangered bird species whose natural habitat could be destroyed by development on such a massive scale — has quickly become the protest’s unofficial mascot. — Larry Luxner, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026

Outside Kordestani’s glass doors, a gigantic inflatable flamingo moved back and forth in an infinity pool. — Melanie Thernstrom, New Yorker, 29 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

obsolete Spanish flamengo (now flamenco), literally, Fleming, German (conventionally thought of as ruddy-complexioned)

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for flamingo

• bingo
• dingo
• gringo
• lingo

Kids Definition

flamingo

noun

fla·​min·​go flə-ˈmiŋ-gō 

plural flamingos also flamingoes

: any of several rosy-white birds with scarlet wings, a very long neck and legs, and a broad bill bent down at the end that are often found wading in shallow water

Etymology

from Portuguese flamingo "flamingo," from Spanish flamenco "flamingo," derived from Latin flamma "flame"; so called from the fiery red feathers on the underside of the wings