roseate tern

noun

: a medium-sized tern (Sterna dougallii) that is widespread at sea and in coastal areas of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans and that has a faint roseate tinge to the breast in the breeding season

Examples of roseate tern 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.
In recent years, the refuge has provided important resting, feeding, and nesting habitat for many species of wading birds, shorebirds, songbirds and terns, including the endangered roseate tern. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 31 July 2025 Several species, including black skimmers, least terns, roseate terns and American oystercatchers, have taken to nesting on the plentiful gravel rooftops of buildings near the waterfront. Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2024 One endangered species being monitored is the roseate tern on Buzzards Bay off the coast of Massachusetts. New York Times, 17 June 2022 Sightings at Race Point in Provincetown included a royal tern, 5 parasitic jaegers, 1,100 laughing gulls, 2 least terns, 175 roseate terns, 2,800 common terns, 4 species of shearwater, and 2 common ravens. BostonGlobe.com, 24 Sep. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1813, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of roseate tern was circa 1813

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Cite this Entry

“Roseate tern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roseate%20tern. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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