stormy petrel

noun

1

: storm petrel

2

a

: one fond of strife

b

: a harbinger of trouble

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of stormy petrel was circa 1776

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Stormy petrel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stormy%20petrel. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.

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Kids Definition

stormy petrel

noun

1

: storm petrel

2

: a person who is fond of conflict or disagreement

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