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

Above water, Boca Chita Key’s 1930s lighthouse is a quirky landmark, while mangrove islands echo with herons and pelicans. —Outside, 15 Jan. 2026

What’s not hidden nor a secret are the dolphins parading below and pelicans soaring around Le Cap du Roc. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 12 Jan. 2026

The pelican was hoisted aboard a fire boat where it was carefully removed from the hook and line. —Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2026

The pelican was becoming a little lump in the snow when the sun started to set and the citizen contacted Iowa Bird Rehabilitation. —Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 6 Jan. 2026

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