pelican

noun

pel·​i·​can ˈpe-li-kən 

: any of a genus (Pelecanus) of large web-footed fish-eating birds with a very large bill and distensible gular pouch

Examples of pelican in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The reason so many pelicans are underfed has not been scientifically established, but Bergeron is among those who believe warming ocean water near the surface has prompted fish to swim deeper seeking a cooler habitat, out of pelicans’ reach. —Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025

This month, whales have died in Long Beach and Huntington Beach from the toxin and dozens of pelicans have become ill, with their offspring on the brink of starvation. —Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025

Also in the menagerie was a manatee named Samantha and an aggressive flock of pelicans poised to snatch fish not promptly gobbled up by the tarpon. —Marnie Hunter, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2025

The Columbus Zoo recently pulled birds indoors as a precaution, including flamingos, swans, pelicans, and cranes. —Alissa Widman Neese, Axios, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English pellican, from Late Latin pelecanus, from Greek pelekan

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pelican

• brown pelican
• pelican crossing

Kids Definition

pelican

noun

pel·​i·​can ˈpel-i-kən 

: any of a genus of large web-footed birds with a very large bill having a pouch on the lower part used to scoop in fish for food