shearwater

noun

shear·​wa·​ter ˈshir-ˌwȯ-tər How to pronounce shearwater (audio)
-ˌwä-
: any of numerous oceanic birds (especially genus Puffinus) that are related to the petrels and usually skim close to the waves in flight

Examples of shearwater in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In addition to these species, the region also offers the opportunity to catch the occasional seabird soaring along the surf, with potential appearances by the great shearwater, Atlantic puffin and pomarine jaeger, to name a few. Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025 In the spring and summer, the island is home to a large colony of nesting Manx shearwater, around a quarter of the seabird’s global population. Nicholas J. R. White Kat Hill, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025 And for birdwatchers in particular, the island plays host to all sorts of marvelous seabirds, inviting species like the European storm petrel, Barolo shearwater and Bulwer's petrel to hunt along its waters. Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024 Worryingly, the diet of flesh-footed shearwaters that nest on Lord Howe Island in New South Wales, Australia, is increasingly seasoned with plastic waste drifting in the oceans, including fledglings. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for shearwater

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1671, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shearwater was circa 1671

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Cite this Entry

“Shearwater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shearwater. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

shearwater

noun
shear·​wa·​ter ˈshi(ə)r-ˌwȯt-ər How to pronounce shearwater (audio)
-ˌwät-
: any of numerous marine birds related to the petrels and albatrosses that often skim close to the water during flight

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