storm petrel

or storm-petrel

noun

1. any of several small, tube-nosed seabirds of the family Hydrobatidae, usually having black or sooty-brown plumage with a white rump.

storm petrel

noun

1. any small petrel, such as the northern Hydrobates pelagicus, of the family Hydrobatidae, typically having a dark plumage with paler underparts Also calledMother Carey's chickenstormy petrel

Word History and Origins

Origin of storm petrel¹

First recorded in 1795–1805

Word History and Origins

Origin of storm petrel¹

C19: so named because it was thought to be a harbinger of rough weather

Example Sentences

The storm petrel hovered high, swooped close, her lips parted.

From Project Gutenberg

Like the puffin and the storm-petrel, razor-bills rarely leave the sea except for breeding.

From Project Gutenberg

He disappears as does the storm petrel when the sea is quiet.

From Project Gutenberg

Yesterday and today great numbers of a storm petrel (Thalassidroma leucogastra) have been following in our wake.

From Project Gutenberg