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. See booby
   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

In the evening we saw a gannet; and the clouds remained so fixed in the west that I had little doubt of our being near the land.

From Project Gutenberg

Paul Pringle, the boatswain, had command of another boat, and a mate and midshipman of the Gannet had charge of the other two.

From Project Gutenberg

Still the Gannet, it was soon seen, sailed faster than she did, and Guadaloupe was scarcely visible on the horizon.

From Project Gutenberg

The Gannet cliffs are on the east side of Bonaventure, and are exposed to the full force of the sea.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a pile of canvas which had been dropped here by the bateau men on their way to Gannet Island that forenoon.

From Project Gutenberg