noun
pelican
PEL-ih-kuhn/ˈpelɪkən/
A large water bird with a long bill and a throat pouch.
The pelican opens its long bill to reveal the throat pouch.
Etymology
Greek pelekan already named the bird. It is apparently related to words for “woodpecker” and “axe,” perhaps because the pelican’s bill suggested an axe in shape.
In context
long beak with a stretchy pouch under it. This pouch is like a fishing net that helps the pelican scoop up fish from the water.
More examples
- Several pelicans rested nearby.
- A pelican skimmed the water.
- She watched the pelican feed.
Forms
pelican · pelicans
Similar words
- water bird
- The broader category.
- cormorant
- A different fish-eating bird without the pelican's large pouch.