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.
Just like actual penguins, books are on the brink of extinction. — Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 At least 19 beluga whales, three seals, one dolphin and multiple penguins and sea lions have died at the park since 2019, according to animal welfare group Animal Justice. — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 There are also the pristine stretches of sand around Cape Peninsula, a rocky mountain that juts into the sea, including a large colony of African penguins on Boulders Beach, the surfers’ paradise of Llandudno, and nudist-friendly Sandy Bay. — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026 The penguin figure was unveiled at a reception Wednesday in the Arena Green West Pavilion, just steps away from the Seeds of Peace site and across from SAP Center. — Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about penguin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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