penguin

[ peng-gwin, pen- ]

noun

, Ornithology.

1. any of several flightless, aquatic birds of the family Spheniscidae, of the Southern Hemisphere, having webbed feet and wings reduced to flippers.
2. Obsolete. great auk.

penguin

/ ˈpɛŋɡwɪn /

noun

1. any flightless marine bird, such as Aptenodytes patagonica (king penguin) and Pygoscelis adeliae ( Adélie penguin ), of the order Sphenisciformes of cool southern, esp Antarctic, regions: they have wings modified as flippers, webbed feet, and feathers lacking barbs See also emperor penguin king penguin
2. an obsolete name for great auk

Word History and Origins

Origin of penguin¹

1570–80; origin uncertain; perhaps < Welsh pen gwyn literally, white head (referring to the great auk in its winter plumage); later misapplied to the Spheniscidae

Word History and Origins

Origin of penguin¹

C16: perhaps from Welsh pen gwyn, from pen head + gwyn white

Example Sentences

Mr Clarke will spend five months living with four other workers on Port Lockroy, alongside the resident Gentoo penguin colony.

From BBC

This article contains spoilers for the finale of HBO’s “The Penguin.”

From Los Angeles Times

But she can’t resist doing the same when talking about Sofia Gigante, née Falcone, her crime-boss villain in HBO’s “The Penguin.”

From Los Angeles Times

What makes the Penguin an iconic character?

From Los Angeles Times

The creators of HBO’s ‘Penguin’ and a DC comic book writer explain his enduring appeal.

From Los Angeles Times