gannet

[ gan-it ]

noun

1. any large, web-footed, seabird of the family Sulidae, having a sharply pointed bill, long wings, and a wedge-shaped tail, noted for its plunging dives for fish.

gannet

/ ˈɡænɪt /

noun

1. any of several heavily built marine birds of the genus Morus (or Sula ), having a long stout bill and typically white plumage with dark markings: family Sulidae, order Pelecaniformes (pelicans, cormorants, etc) See also booby
2. slang.
   a gluttonous or greedy person

Word History and Origins

Origin of gannet¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English ganot; akin to Dutch gent gander

Word History and Origins

Origin of gannet¹

Old English ganot; related to Old High German gannazzo gander

Example Sentences

American photographer Kat Zhou won British Waters Wide-Angle, with an image of dive-bombing gannets in Shetland.

From BBC

Most people get upset and angry at the sight of gannets sitting on nests of nylon ropes, and whales drifting ashore with their stomachs full of plastic.

From Science Daily

It said preliminary investigations in a small sample size of some species of seabird, including northern gannets and shag, showed the development of immunity to the H5N1 virus.

From BBC

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

Avian flu has decimated seabird populations around Scotland's coast, including gannets on Bass Rock and skuas in Shetland.

From BBC