penguin

noun
pen·​guin | \ ˈpen-gwən How to pronounce penguin (audio) , ˈpeŋ- \

Definition of penguin

: any of various erect short-legged flightless aquatic birds (family Spheniscidae) of the southern hemisphere

Examples of penguin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In 2017, Hasbro held a similar fan vote to revamp some of the game's playing pieces, with the thimble, the wheelbarrow and the boot getting being replaced with new pieces like a rubber duckie, a penguin and a T. rex. Caitlin O'kane, CBS News, "Monopoly updating 16 cards to better reflect community," 22 Mar. 2021 The yellow penguin is entirely void of all melanin and instead sports a sunny coat. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, "Rare Yellow Penguin Photographed for the First Time," 23 Feb. 2021 Some years, big melts have released those chemicals, heavy metals, and hydrocarbons: Scientists have spotted oil sheens near penguin populations and in water where mollusks and other animals live. Leah Feiger, The Atlantic, "Antarctica Is Running Out of Wilderness," 3 Mar. 2021 Think outside the box of ball gowns and penguin suits. Expert Panel®, Forbes, "14 Ways To Translate In-Person Fundraisers Into A Virtual Experience," 1 Mar. 2021 Roo Valley features the Zoo’s first-ever kangaroo walkabout and the largest outdoor little blue penguin habitat. Sarah Brookbank, The Enquirer, "Cincinnati Zoo's Roo Valley opens Tuesday," 18 Aug. 2020 Unfortunately for anyone who wanted to watch Naomi Watts narrate a penguin orgy, this film is the latter. Rebecca Alter, Vulture, "Naomi Watts Movie Penguin Bloom Isn’t Even About Penguins," 9 Jan. 2021 But Houdini is part of a lengthy penguin lineage at the zoo. jsonline.com, "11 animal personalities you have to meet at the Milwaukee County Zoo," 23 Dec. 2020 The aquarium is currently closed back down at least through the end of the month due to rising COVID-19 rates in Illinois, but the Shedd is offering virtual penguin encounters. Steve Johnson, chicagotribune.com, "Shedd Aquarium penguin Wellington turns 33 on Friday, and he’s having a livestreamed birthday party," 17 Dec. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'penguin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of penguin

1577, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for penguin

obsolete English penguin great auk, perhaps from Welsh pen gwyn white head (applied to the bird in winter plumage)

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Time Traveler for penguin

Time Traveler

The first known use of penguin was in 1577

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Statistics for penguin

Last Updated

1 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Penguin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penguin. Accessed 2 Apr. 2021.

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More Definitions for penguin

penguin

noun

English Language Learners Definition of penguin

: a black-and-white bird that cannot fly, that uses its wings for swimming, and that lives in or near the Antarctic

penguin

noun
pen·​guin | \ ˈpen-gwən How to pronounce penguin (audio) , ˈpeŋ- \

Kids Definition of penguin

: a short-legged seabird that cannot fly, uses its stiff wings for swimming, and is found in the colder regions of the southern hemisphere

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More from Merriam-Webster on penguin

Nglish: Translation of penguin for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of penguin for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about penguin

Comments on penguin

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