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

The campaign also features a series of inflatable-like animal sculptures created by set designer Andy Hillman and his team including an octopus, whale, lobster, seahorse, crab and flamingo. —Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026

As migration season begins, get ready for an influx of species, from flamingos to forest woodpeckers. —Will Barker, TheWeek, 14 Apr. 2026

That distinction grew even more notable in 2024, when Fatou became the zoo’s oldest resident following the death of Ingo the flamingo, which had lived at the zoo since 1955 and was believed to be at least 75 years old. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2026

Fatou became the zoo’s oldest resident in 2024, following the death of Ingo the flamingo. —ABC News, 13 Apr. 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