herring gull

noun

1. a common, large gull, Larus argentatus, of the Northern Hemisphere.

herring gull

noun

1. a common gull, Larus argentatus, that has a white plumage with black-tipped wings and pink legs

Word History and Origins

Origin of herring gull¹

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

Example Sentences

Herring Gull and the primaries are grayish instead of black.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Brose saw him, and was on his tracks like a fish-hawk on a herring-gull.

From Project Gutenberg

The Herring Gull is a large and powerful bird, thoroughly competent to dispose of a herring or even a more bulky fish.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus the Herring-Gull occupies a comparatively small area, although one many times larger than that of the Guillemot.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus the Herring-Gull occupies a comparatively small area, though one which is many times larger than that of the Guillemot.

From Project Gutenberg