pelican

noun

pel·​i·​can ˈpe-li-kən How to pronounce pelican (audio)
: any of a genus (Pelecanus) of large web-footed fish-eating birds with a very large bill and distensible gular pouch

Examples of pelican in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Chandor said there seem to be other fish, not just anchovies, massing off the coast because harbor officials have seen upticks in dolphins and pelicans in recent weeks too. Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2024 Pelican nesting process takes months Because pelicans are susceptible to disturbances, both Hat and Gunnison islands have been closed off to the public. Helena Wegner, Sacramento Bee, 7 May 2024 Mahito cannot preach care to a starving pelican; the bird has no choice but to hunt. Moeko Fujii, The New Yorker, 2 May 2024 Eleven deceased pelicans that were brought in had similar injuries. Kc Baker, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2024 Read Next California Hordes of pelicans take over a California beach. Julia Daye, Sacramento Bee, 11 Apr. 2024 The pelican caught it with its beak, but the snack slid out of its exposed and damaged pouch. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2024 Find out which familiar sitcom stars, Academy Award winners, voice actors, and more play the collection of sea creatures (and a pelican) who inhabit this colorful Pixar flick. Madeline Boardman, EW.com, 11 Mar. 2024 Bowen is also the creator of the Wonderland Animals, a menagerie of fiberglass animals — including a turtle, pelican, elephant, camel, kangaroo, swans, horse, and lion — that have accompanied the Plaza bunnies since the 70s. Sidney Steele, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pelican.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English pellican, from Late Latin pelecanus, from Greek pelekan

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pelican was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near pelican

Cite this Entry

“Pelican.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pelican. Accessed 15 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

pelican

noun
pel·​i·​can ˈpel-i-kən How to pronounce pelican (audio)
: any of a genus of large web-footed birds with a very large bill having a pouch on the lower part used to scoop in fish for food

More from Merriam-Webster on pelican

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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