rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryaukNorthern seabird
noun

auk

AWK/ɔːk/

A northern seabird with short wings and webbed feet.

The auk stands on a coastal rock with its wings folded.

A single razorbill auk standing on a sparse northern coastal rock, showing its black upperparts, white belly, deep blunt bill, and short folded wings.
Etymology
aukOld Norseauk

A Scandinavian bird name such as Old Norse alka probably imitated a water-bird’s cry. The English name originally referred specifically to the great auk before extending to related seabirds.

In context

AncientLifeRecords0:17
the great auk ruled the cold Atlantic waters long before humans crossed [music] the oceans.
The Great Auk: The Flightless Bird Humans Hunted to Extinction

More examples

  • An auk dives beneath the waves to catch small fish.
  • Several auks nest on the rocky cliff above the sea.
  • The auk's webbed feet help it steer underwater.

Forms

auk · auks

Similar words

seabird
A broader term that includes many birds besides auks.
razorbill
A specific kind of auk with a deep, blunt bill.