petrel

[ pe-truhl ]

noun

1. any of numerous tube-nosed seabirds of the families Procellariidae, Hydrobatidae, and Pelecanoididae.

petrel

/ ˈpɛtrəl /

noun

1. any oceanic bird of the order Procellariiformes, having a hooked bill and tubular nostrils: includes albatrosses, storm petrels, and shearwaters See also storm petrel

Word History and Origins

Origin of petrel¹

1670–80; earlier pitteral, of uncertain origin; perhaps altered by association with St. Peter (who attempted to walk on the water of Lake Gennesareth), alluding to the bird's habit of flying close to the ocean surface

Word History and Origins

Origin of petrel¹

C17: variant of earlier pitteral, associated by folk etymology with St Peter, because the bird appears to walk on water

Example Sentences

The Petrel then took up position and shelled the fort with varying result, followed by the Raleigh.

From Project Gutenberg

The Olympia hurled about 70 5-inch shells and 16 8-inch shells, and the Petrel and the Raleigh about the same number each.

From Project Gutenberg

On that date the American gunboat Petrel and a large steam-launch suddenly appeared in Cebú harbour.

From Project Gutenberg

Weary to death, Eric flung himself down, and slept deep and sound till the morning, on board the Stormy Petrel.

From Project Gutenberg

A petrel it is, about the size of a house pigeon, and of a slate-blue colour.

From Project Gutenberg