penguin

noun

pen·​guin ˈpen-gwən How to pronounce penguin (audio)
ˈpeŋ-
: any of various erect short-legged flightless aquatic birds (family Spheniscidae) of the southern hemisphere

Examples of penguin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But our musings about penguin diets couldn’t last all day. — Scott Laird, USA Today, 26 June 2026 Here's a guide to the best beaches for surfing, swimming, and penguin-spotting. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 June 2026 Their catchy tune centered on an axolotl and penguin toy is arguably one of their most beloved, with over 32 million views. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026 Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo is also home to a same-sex penguin couple. — Evgenia Anastasakos, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for penguin

Word History

Etymology

obsolete English penguin great auk, perhaps from Welsh pen gwyn white head (applied to the bird in winter plumage)

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of penguin was in 1577

Phrases Containing penguin

Browse Nearby Words

pengö
penguin
penguin duck
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Penguin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penguin. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

penguin

noun
pen·​guin ˈpen-gwən How to pronounce penguin (audio)
ˈpeŋ-
: any of various short-legged seabirds of the southern hemisphere that cannot fly and have wings functioning as flippers and used in swimming

More from Merriam-Webster on penguin

Nglish: Translation of penguin for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about penguin

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