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

Following the pelicans is usually a good indicator of where along the beach the dolphins might strand next. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025

The city is continuing to apply for environmental and other permits and drawing up plans for sanitation and maintenance as pelicans commandeer the pier in the absence of humans, Reyes said. —Steven Mihailovich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Aug. 2025

Throughout the year, birdwatchers can find sandhill cranes, white pelicans, and even bald eagles. —Angela Lian, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2025

While preparing the Ohio pelican for travel, The Nature Center team discovered a fishhook in its throat and removed it. —Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 9 Aug. 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