penguin

noun

pen·​guin ˈpen-gwən 

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

Not on a cruise ship, and not in search of penguins (although there are plenty) and polar bears (which are only in the Arctic). —Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 29 Mar. 2026

These measures protected species such as Darwin’s frog and the Humboldt penguin, created national parks and outlined decontamination plans, such as for Lake Villarrica, among other things. —ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026

Acquiring a penguin must provide cameos for a joker. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 20 Mar. 2026

Nearby, visit Mystic Aquarium to see the beloved beluga whales, African penguins, and sea lions before heading to dinner for sushi at Pink Basil. —Morgan Rizzo, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2026

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

Phrases Containing penguin

• Adélie penguin
• chinstrap penguin
• emperor penguin
• gentoo penguin
• king penguin
• macaroni penguin
• Magellanic penguin

Kids Definition

penguin

noun

pen·​guin ˈpen-gwən 

ˈpeŋ-

: any of various short-legged seabirds of the southern hemisphere that cannot fly and have wings functioning as flippers and used in swimming