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 fully custom 141-footer, previously known as ALY431 but christened Ximena, features aggressive lines reminiscent of an arrowhead and a sharp, pelican’s bow that ensure greater efficiency and enviable style on the high seas. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025

In the distance, pelicans hunt for breakfast in the water and seagulls scrounge for snacks in the sand. —Nora Heston Tarte, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025

Amelia Hildt, 3, was busy looking around for a pelican and a starfish. —Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025

Even back on board, the show continues after dark, with pelicans and reef sharks drawn to the yacht’s lights and sea lions sometimes clambering onto the aft deck. —Rachel Ingram, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 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