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

This episode is packed with your best economic ideas from around the world and a penguin interview. — Robert Smith, NPR, 26 Aug. 2026

The penguin figure was unveiled at a reception Wednesday in the Arena Green West Pavilion, just steps away from the Seeds of Peace site and across from SAP Center. — Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026

It was created in 1982 amid concern that the rapidly expanding krill fishery could remove too much food from penguins, seals, whales and other predators. — Kim S. Bernard, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026

Except here, parents can bring their kids along for the festivities and check out a penguin exhibit or ride a roller coaster all in the same night. — Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 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