flamingo

noun

fla·​min·​go flə-ˈmiŋ-(ˌ)gō How to pronounce flamingo (audio)
plural flamingos also flamingoes
: any of several large aquatic birds (family Phoenicopteridae) with long legs and neck, webbed feet, a broad lamellate bill resembling that of a duck but abruptly bent downward, and usually rosy-white plumage with scarlet wing coverts and black wing quills

Illustration of flamingo

Illustration of flamingo

Examples of flamingo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Share [Findings] Pinkness predicts aggression in flamingos. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025 Send any news, comments, McDonald’s burgers, and flamingo stances to talk@qz.com. Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 24 Oct. 2024 Some even recreate iconic Milwaukee-area moments, like a pink flamingo flock's appearance last fall on a Port Washington beach. Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 9 Oct. 2024 Moms Can Get Their Pink Back The moms then discuss the idea that a mother flamingo loses its vibrant color while tending to its baby. Melissa Willets, Parents, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for flamingo 

Word History

Etymology

obsolete Spanish flamengo (now flamenco), literally, Fleming, German (conventionally thought of as ruddy-complexioned)

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flamingo was in 1565

Dictionary Entries Near flamingo

Cite this Entry

“Flamingo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flamingo. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

flamingo

noun
fla·​min·​go flə-ˈmiŋ-gō How to pronounce flamingo (audio)
plural flamingos also flamingoes
: any of several rosy-white birds with scarlet wings, a very long neck and legs, and a broad bill bent down at the end that are often found wading in shallow water
Etymology

from Portuguese flamingo "flamingo," from Spanish flamenco "flamingo," derived from Latin flamma "flame"; so called from the fiery red feathers on the underside of the wings

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