gentoo penguin
noun
gen·too penguin
ˈjen-(ˌ)tü- 
: a penguin (Pygoscelis papua) of Antarctica and nearby islands with a gray back and throat, white underparts, and white spots above the eyes
called also gentoo
Examples of gentoo penguin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Some of the gentoo penguins have spent years at the Sea Life London Aquarium and some have never seen the sky, according to animal activists.
—
Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 15 Nov. 2025
Conditions permitting, your adventure-seeking brood could kayak the White Continent’s frigid waters, join Zodiac excursions to see gentoo penguin colonies, and snowshoe across the icy landscape, led by HX’s wildlife and expedition guides.
—Kerry Spencer, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Dec. 2024
Fortunately, bird flu is something that is unlikely to ever concern Pesto – who will live out his life in an enclosure that has strict biosecurity procedures in place to keep the exhibit's king and smaller gentoo penguins free from external virus exposure.
—New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2024
The term originated from the actions of gentoo penguins in Antarctica, who were observed presenting rocks to each other as a form of courtship.
—Kristina Behr, Parents, 25 June 2024
These staffers also have another important duty: counting the roughly 1,500 gentoo penguins that live in a colony at Port Lockroy.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024
The opening in our schedule gave us time to observe a massive gentoo penguin colony on nearby Cuverville Island, which provided a magical experience of its own.
—Melissa McGibbon, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2024
When gentoo penguins turn, their bellies face the inside of the turn, which is the opposite of what planes and flying birds do.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 28 June 2023
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Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 15 Nov. 2025
Conditions permitting, your adventure-seeking brood could kayak the White Continent’s frigid waters, join Zodiac excursions to see gentoo penguin colonies, and snowshoe across the icy landscape, led by HX’s wildlife and expedition guides.
—Kerry Spencer, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Dec. 2024
Fortunately, bird flu is something that is unlikely to ever concern Pesto – who will live out his life in an enclosure that has strict biosecurity procedures in place to keep the exhibit's king and smaller gentoo penguins free from external virus exposure.
—New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2024
The term originated from the actions of gentoo penguins in Antarctica, who were observed presenting rocks to each other as a form of courtship.
—Kristina Behr, Parents, 25 June 2024
These staffers also have another important duty: counting the roughly 1,500 gentoo penguins that live in a colony at Port Lockroy.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024
The opening in our schedule gave us time to observe a massive gentoo penguin colony on nearby Cuverville Island, which provided a magical experience of its own.
—Melissa McGibbon, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2024
When gentoo penguins turn, their bellies face the inside of the turn, which is the opposite of what planes and flying birds do.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 28 June 2023
Cite this Entry
“Gentoo penguin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gentoo%20penguin. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.
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