Definition of penguin
:any of various erect short-legged flightless aquatic birds (family Spheniscidae) of the southern hemisphere
What's Trending Now
More Trending Words
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of penguin from the Web
-
Also proposed were extensive educational, conservation and research elements; an Ohio River exhibit; a grand lobby; a 150-seat banquet hall; a retail store; a replica of an ocean-going vessel; and a penguin exhibit; and a shark tank.
-
There’s Sam, played sensitively by Gilchrist (United States of Tara), with his obsession with penguins and all things Antarctic, and his teenage hormones.
-
Let’s say your kid wants a penguin for his birthday party tomorrow.
-
And don't forget about the Cape penguins at Boulders Beach!
-
Hundreds of scientists cycle through every year to study the perils of collapsing ice caps, the mating habits of penguins, the deep history of the Earth and the great mysteries of the cosmos.
-
There were pirate patches and plastic penguins, Landshark lager, and more than enough beach balls to smack you in the face on a regular basis.
-
There will also be winter princess and snowman characters in costume near the penguin exhibit for photo opportunities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days.
-
The competition’s Grand Prize went to Deborah Albert for her photo of a Gentoo penguin huddling over its chick, their beaks nearly touching.
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.
Origin and Etymology of penguin
obsolete English penguin great auk, perhaps from Welsh pen gwyn white head (applied to the bird in winter plumage)
PENGUIN Defined for English Language Learners
penguin
play
noun
Definition of penguin for English Language Learners
-
: a black-and-white bird that cannot fly, that uses its wings for swimming, and that lives in or near the Antarctic
PENGUIN Defined for Kids
penguin
play
noun
pen·guin
\
ˈpen-gwən
,
ˈpeŋ-
\
Definition of penguin for Students
:a short-legged seabird that cannot fly, uses its stiff wings for swimming, and is found in the colder regions of the southern hemisphere
Learn More about penguin
-
Spanish Central: Translation of penguin Nglish: Translation of penguin for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of penguin for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about penguin
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up penguin? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!