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 Bewleys keep a set of binoculars and a bird book close at hand to identify different avian species that visit and migrate across the property during the year — white pelicans, sandhill cranes, wood ducks and more. — David Caraccio updated July 4, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026

This largely undeveloped swath of land is a great place to comb the sand for shark teeth and shells, while keeping a lookout for dolphins and pelicans. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 21 June 2026

Like an endangered pelican reintroduced to its native habitat, the Fox reboot was hailed as a triumph for the industry’s hometown, which is suffering through a long slide in production activity. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 16 June 2026

The domoic acid works its way up the food chain, often in anchovies and sardines, which are then eaten by pelicans, sea lions, whales and other animals. — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 15 June 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