white pelican

noun

: a very large American pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) that is predominantly white with black wing feathers
also : any of several similar Old World pelicans (especially P. onocrotalus)

Word History

First Known Use

1725, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of white pelican was in 1725

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Dictionary Entries Near white pelican

white pear

white pelican

white pepper

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Cite this Entry

“White pelican.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20pelican. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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