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

Walking into the hotel, you’re immediately greeted by eccentric art pieces, from sculptures to paintings and photographs, as well as the hotel’s staple mascot, the four-foot red penguin sculpted from recycled plastic. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026

Donations will support two conservation partners, AZA SAFE African Penguins and SANCCOB, which help protect African penguins. —Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026

Kids are encouraged to dress like a penguin, or choose their favorite cozy winter outfit. —Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 27 Dec. 2025

My 2025 included everything from hiking to see a glacier in Alaska to snorkeling with penguins and manta rays in the Galapagos. —Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2025

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