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

Anthurium Beloved by florists, anthurium—also called flamingo flower, laceleaf, and pigtail plant—is long-lasting both on the plant and when cut. —Kate Nateras, Architectural Digest, 10 June 2026

Protesters hold pink flamingo cutouts in Tirana, Albania, on Wednesday. —Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 7 June 2026

Hotels are also planned by the investors in surrounding areas in the Vjosa-Narta protected zone, which environmentalists say is rich with wildlife, including flamingo habitats. —Emmet Lyons, CBS News, 6 June 2026

The art show paired portraits of animals that exhibit same-sex behaviors, like peacocks and flamingos, and was meant to be a commentary on how queerness has been hidden throughout history, leaving artists to use symbolism to communicate their point of view. —Miami Herald, 4 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