wandering albatross
noun
: a large white albatross (Diomedea exulans) of southern oceans that has black outer wing feathers and a wingspan of about 11 feet (3.4 meters)
Examples of wandering albatross in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Based on the proportions of the bird and its rough resemblance to today’s wandering albatross, paleontologists suspect that Pelagornis sandersi spent much of its life soaring long distances over the seas.
—
Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2023
The wandering albatross typically mates for life, producing offspring once every two years, though this can vary.
—Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 6 Dec. 2022
The wandering albatross is believed to sleep in the air, holding its wings steady and flying along air currents.
—Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 6 Dec. 2022
Its wingspan stretched up to 24 feet (about 7 meters), more than double today's largest flying bird, the wandering albatross (bottom right).
—Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 30 Oct. 2014
Humpback whales, elephant seals, and the wandering albatross, a seabird with a wingspan as long as a male great white shark, all call this area home.
—Leah Feiger, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2021
The wandering albatross looks not much different from a seagull, except it’s enormous.
—Colin Daileda, Longreads, 24 Mar. 2020
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Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2023
The wandering albatross typically mates for life, producing offspring once every two years, though this can vary.
—Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 6 Dec. 2022
The wandering albatross is believed to sleep in the air, holding its wings steady and flying along air currents.
—Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 6 Dec. 2022
Its wingspan stretched up to 24 feet (about 7 meters), more than double today's largest flying bird, the wandering albatross (bottom right).
—Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 30 Oct. 2014
Humpback whales, elephant seals, and the wandering albatross, a seabird with a wingspan as long as a male great white shark, all call this area home.
—Leah Feiger, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2021
The wandering albatross looks not much different from a seagull, except it’s enormous.
—Colin Daileda, Longreads, 24 Mar. 2020
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wandering albatross.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1836, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of wandering albatross was
in 1836
Dictionary Entries Near wandering albatross
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“Wandering albatross.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wandering%20albatross. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023.
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wandering albatross
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