albatross

American  

[al-buh-traws, -tros] / ˈæl bəˌtrɔs, -ˌtrɒs /

noun

1. any of several large, web-footed sea birds of the family Diomedeidae that have the ability to remain aloft for long periods.

2. a seemingly inescapable moral or emotional burden, as of guilt or responsibility.

3. something burdensome that impedes action or progress.

4. Textiles.

   1. a lightweight worsted fabric with a crepe or pebble finish.

   2. a plain-weave cotton fabric with a soft nap surface.

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albatross British  

/ ˈælbəˌtrɒs /

noun

1. any large oceanic bird of the genera Diomedea and Phoebetria, family Diomedeidae, of cool southern oceans: order Procellariiformes (petrels). They have long narrow wings and are noted for a powerful gliding flight See also wandering albatross

2. a constant and inescapable burden or handicap

   an albatross of debt

3. golf a score of three strokes under par for a hole

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Etymology

Origin of albatross

1675–85; variant of algatross frigate bird < Portuguese alcatraz pelican, probably < Arabic al-ghaṭṭāṣ a kind of sea eagle, literally, the diver; -b- for -g- perhaps by association with Latin albus white (the bird's color)

Example Sentences

One of the 21st century’s hottest sectors has become a market albatross.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

The ship is blown by a storm to the South Pole where it is followed by an albatross, believed to bring good luck.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

But now that guarantee is an albatross, with AI skeptics worried OpenAI won’t be able to pay.

From Barron's • Dec. 13, 2025

He likened his association with Epstein to "an albatross around my neck", adding he felt "profoundly upset that I was taken in" by a "charismatic criminal liar".

From BBC • Sep. 10, 2025

Like today, when he had wanted to keep the entry on the albatross, she had agreed to read it.

From "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Pérez

Related Words

• millstone