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

End the day near Morro Rock to watch the sunset or spot sea lions, cormorants and pelicans living around it. —Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025

Birds, turtles, squirrels, rabbits, pelicans, raccoons, coyotes, opossums, snakes and bats are among the 350 different species that receive care. —Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2025

As the boat crescendoed over waves, seagulls screamed in chase, and the captain made radar promises over the loudspeaker: bass, bonito and sculpin — or at the very least, mackerel and pelicans. —Jacqueline Carr, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2025

Visit the sandy beaches of Spanish Bay, snap photos of the ocean at Cypress Point or view wildlife — like sea lions, seals and pelicans — at Bird Rock. —Katie Sweeney, Forbes.com, 11 June 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