penguin

noun

pen·​guin ˈpen-gwən 

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

Aside from beating the stuffing out of a life-sized penguin plushie, Gritty has mocked — and stalked — the team's fans. —Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026

The Steinhart Aquarium habitat is designed to mirror the penguins' natural coastal environment. —Jessica Burch, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026

Then, out of nowhere, Gritty ran into the frame and started beating the penguin up before throwing the Penguin down multiple levels of the arena. —Ryan Brennan april 23, Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2026

Then, out of nowhere, Gritty ran into the frame, started beating the penguin up and threw it down multiple levels of the arena. —Ryan Brennan april 23, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026

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

Phrases Containing penguin

• Adélie penguin
• chinstrap penguin
• emperor penguin
• gentoo penguin
• king penguin
• macaroni penguin
• Magellanic penguin

Kids Definition

penguin

noun

pen·​guin ˈpen-gwən 

ˈpeŋ-

: any of various short-legged seabirds of the southern hemisphere that cannot fly and have wings functioning as flippers and used in swimming