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

Home to monkeys, hawksbill sea turtles, manatees, and flamingos—and a quick ferry ride from the mainland—Holbox is an inviting spot to explore nature and relax into slow movement and mindfulness. —Gemma Price, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026

Birdwatchers flock to the marshes, where various species, such as flamingos (in spring and autumn), marsh harriers, and black and white storks congregate in great numbers. —Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026

Iguanas and flamingos meet frozen ponds. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 Jan. 2026

Dancer Marshall Whiteley rose to new heights, literally, as a leaping lion and there was an engaging pas de deux with Stephanie Maiorano (a pink flamingo) and Jonas Oliveras (the rhino). —Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Dec. 2025

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