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Synonyms

cormorant

American  
[kawr-mer-uhnt] / ˈkɔr mər ənt /

noun

  1. any of several voracious, totipalmate seabirds of the family Phalacrocoracidae, as Phalacrocorax carbo, of America, Europe, and Asia, having a long neck and a distensible pouch under the bill for holding captured fish, used in China for catching fish.

  2. a greedy person.


cormorant British  
/ ˈkɔːmərənt /

noun

  1. any aquatic bird of the family Phalacrocoracidae, of coastal and inland waters, having a dark plumage, a long neck and body, and a slender hooked beak: order Pelecaniformes (pelicans, etc)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of cormorant

1300–50; Middle English cormera ( u ) nt < Middle French cormorant, Old French cormareng < Late Latin corvus marīnus sea-raven. See corbel, marine

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In 2018, there were also claims that Australians tried to rig the contest in favour of the shag - a species of cormorant.

From BBC • Sep. 16, 2024

One bird — a Brandt’s cormorant — that had oil on it died over the weekend.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2024

Every time people have messed with this cormorant colony, the situation has worsened — and the birds are in the crosshairs yet again.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 21, 2024

The ban could also benefit two other endangered seabirds, the Cape gannet and Cape cormorant, that also rely on sardine and anchovy as their primary food source, Waller says.

From Science Magazine • Aug. 17, 2023

On sunny days I would wear them with my cormorant dress and the necklace, and walk along the cliff with Rontu.

From "Island of the Blue Dolphins" by Scott O'Dell