shearwater

noun

shear·​wa·​ter ˈshir-ˌwȯ-tər How to pronounce shearwater (audio)
-ˌwä-
: any of numerous oceanic birds (especially genus Puffinus) that are related to the petrels and usually skim close to the waves in flight

Examples of shearwater 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.
Uesaka says that the footage comes from foraging trips in which the shearwaters form large flocks, with some birds resting on the surface while others fly—and poop—overhead. — Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2025 In the spring and summer, the island is home to a large colony of nesting Manx shearwater, around a quarter of the seabird’s global population. — Nicholas J. R. White Kat Hill, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025 This is impressive on an island that, until 50 years ago, relied upon the greasy-gray Balearic shearwater seabird for protein. — Maya Boyd, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2022 Birds abound across the shores of Duiker Island, with Sandwich terns, giant petrels and sooty shearwaters being just a few of the creatures that might make an appearance, while lucky guests might see a penguin or two bobbing along the water as well. — Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shearwater

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1671, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shearwater was circa 1671

Rhymes for shearwater

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Browse Nearby Words

sheartail
shearwater
shear wave
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shearwater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shearwater. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

shearwater

noun
shear·​wa·​ter ˈshi(ə)r-ˌwȯt-ər How to pronounce shearwater (audio)
-ˌwät-
: any of numerous marine birds related to the petrels and albatrosses that often skim close to the water during flight

More from Merriam-Webster on shearwater

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shearwater

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