albatross

[ al-buh-traws, -tros ]

noun

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

albatross

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of albatross¹

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)

Word History and Origins

Origin of albatross¹

C17: from Portuguese alcatraz pelican, from Arabic al-ghattās, from al the + ghattās white-tailed sea eagle; influenced by Latin albus white: C20 in sense 2, from The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (1798) by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Example Sentences

Like, this whole abortion thing is an albatross, and I don’t want to deal with it, and I don’t really care anyway,’” Ziegler said.

From Los Angeles Times

The new governor, first-term Republican George Deukmejian, had learned from Brown not to let anyone hang this buggy albatross around his neck, and left it to his ag folks to spray and protect.

From Los Angeles Times

The Angels are like an albatross hung around the neck of Mike Trout.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s gone from three-time MVP and three-time MVP runner-up to albatross.

From Los Angeles Times

There are fears among some Republicans that Robinson could be a political albatross, causing their voters to stay home, or driving Democratic turnout.

From BBC

Related Words

• millstone