penguin

noun

pen·​guin ˈpen-gwən 

ˈpeŋ-

: 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

Antarctica remains his final continental conquest—the penguins have been warned. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026

It’s located just three miles south of downtown Dallas, and guests can see everything from a Galápagos tortoise to giraffes, elephants, and penguins. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026

Back on the grass hill, one of the boys didn’t want to wait until a piece of cardboard was available and dove face first on his belly, arms tucked in, penguin style. —Caleb Harris, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026

The downside for most of us is that the stunning 'ring of fire' will be witnessed by more penguins than people. —Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 11 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing penguin

• Adélie penguin
• chinstrap penguin
• emperor penguin
• gentoo penguin
• king penguin
• macaroni penguin
• Magellanic penguin

Kids Definition

penguin

noun

pen·​guin ˈpen-gwən 

ˈpeŋ-

: any of various short-legged seabirds of the southern hemisphere that cannot fly and have wings functioning as flippers and used in swimming