pelican
noun
pel·i·can
ˈpe-li-kən 
: 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
Even back on board, the show continues after dark, with pelicans and reef sharks drawn to the yacht’s lights and sea lions sometimes clambering onto the aft deck.
—
Rachel Ingram, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Sea lions leaped from the water while pelicans flew high overhead.
—Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
Be wary of the pelicans, who will steal fish right out of your hands.
—Teaghan Skulszki, Travel + Leisure, 6 Sep. 2025
The stork was last seen on Tuesday flying northeast with a flock of pelicans.
—Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pelican
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Rachel Ingram, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Sea lions leaped from the water while pelicans flew high overhead.
—Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
Be wary of the pelicans, who will steal fish right out of your hands.
—Teaghan Skulszki, Travel + Leisure, 6 Sep. 2025
The stork was last seen on Tuesday flying northeast with a flock of pelicans.
—Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pelican
Cite this Entry
“Pelican.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pelican. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pelican
noun
pel·i·can
ˈpel-i-kən
: 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
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