roseate tern

noun

|Updated on: 12 Jul 2018

Definition of roseate tern

: 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

Recent Examples of roseate tern from the Web

Also spotted on the island were six common loons, two American golden-plovers, two roseate terns, and a seaside sparrow.

— BostonGlobe.com, "bird sightings," 30 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'roseate tern.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.