penguin

noun

pen·​guin ˈpen-gwən How to pronounce penguin (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adventure Aquarium World's smallest penguin These types of penguins are known for their striking slate-blue feathers. Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026 King penguins, which can grow to be around 3 feet tall, are the second-largest penguin species in the world, according to the zoo’s website. Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 24 Feb. 2026 Like pygmy hippo Moo Deng or fluffy penguin Pesto, Punch is a baby animal who has captured social media’s attention (even DeuxMoi) thanks to his adorable looks and specific personality. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 23 Feb. 2026 While Proba-2 had an unobstructed view from space, on Earth the full annular phase was only visible from remote locations in Antarctica, limiting the spectacle to just a small number of researchers stationed at remote scientific outposts … and a lot of penguins. Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for penguin

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of penguin was in 1577

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Cite this Entry

“Penguin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penguin. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

penguin

noun
pen·​guin ˈpen-gwən How to pronounce penguin (audio)
ˈpeŋ-
: any of various short-legged seabirds of the southern hemisphere that cannot fly and have wings functioning as flippers and used in swimming

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