pelican

noun

pel·​i·​can ˈpe-li-kən How to pronounce pelican (audio)
: any of a genus (Pelecanus) of large web-footed fish-eating birds with a very large bill and distensible gular pouch

Examples of pelican 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.
In capybara lore, two of the most farcical enemies of the rodent are the pelican and peacock, both of which try to bite it, to minimal effect. Gary Shteyngart, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025 Visit Animals At Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge This wildlife rehabilitation center has aided opossums, squirrels, turtles, pelicans, and many more native species. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 17 Jan. 2025 The graceful pelicans would soar, and sandpipers would drill for sand crabs. James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025 The cayos—or keys—are plops of milky sand ringed by bright verdigris; the waters are roaming territory for squid, turtles, pelicans, and iguanas. Lydia Bell, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pelican 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English pellican, from Late Latin pelecanus, from Greek pelekan

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pelican was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near pelican

Cite this Entry

“Pelican.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pelican. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

pelican

noun
pel·​i·​can ˈpel-i-kən How to pronounce pelican (audio)
: any of a genus of large web-footed birds with a very large bill having a pouch on the lower part used to scoop in fish for food

More from Merriam-Webster on pelican

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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