guillemot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Technical (Zoology, Ornithology), Regional (Coastal communities)
Quick answer
What does “guillemot” mean?
A medium-sized, narrow-billed seabird of the auk family, typically with black and white plumage.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medium-sized, narrow-billed seabird of the auk family, typically with black and white plumage.
Used to refer specifically to birds of the genera Cepphus or Uria; often associated with nesting on steep, inaccessible cliffs in large colonies.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used in both varieties but is more common in UK contexts due to the presence of breeding colonies in Britain. In North America, 'murre' is often used for the common guillemot (Uria aalge).
Connotations
In UK coastal regions, it evokes specific wildlife and conservation efforts. In general American English, it is a less familiar, more 'exotic' bird term.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK nature writing, birdwatching guides, and regional media (e.g., Scottish, Irish, North English coasts). Low frequency in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “guillemot” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] guillemot [VERB] on the cliff.We saw a colony of guillemots.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “guillemot” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The guillemot survey yielded important data.
American English
- Guillemot conservation efforts are underway.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in biological, ecological, and zoological papers.
Everyday
Rare, except in regions where they are native (e.g., 'We took the boat to see the guillemots on the Farnes.').
Technical
Precise term in ornithology for specific genera (Cepphus, Uria).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “guillemot”
- Misspelling: 'guillemot' (common), 'guillemotte'. Mispronunciation: /ɡwiːˈmoʊ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Guillemots are slender, black-and-white birds with pointed bills, while puffins are shorter, have colourful beaks, and a more upright posture.
Historically, guillemot eggs were collected from cliffs for food in some cultures (e.g., in Iceland and Scotland), but this practice is now heavily regulated or banned to protect colonies.
Yes, they are excellent divers and swimmers, using their wings to 'fly' underwater in pursuit of fish.
Large colonies can be found on cliffs such as Bempton Cliffs (Yorkshire), the Isle of May (Scotland), and the Farne Islands (Northumberland).
A medium-sized, narrow-billed seabird of the auk family, typically with black and white plumage.
Guillemot is usually formal/technical (zoology, ornithology), regional (coastal communities) in register.
Guillemot: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɪl.ɪ.mɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɪl.ə.mɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Packed in like guillemots (rare, referring to a very dense crowd).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GILL-eh-mot' – GILLS are in the sea, and MOT sounds like 'motte' (a clump of trees) but these birds are on rocky 'mottes' (hillocks) of cliffs.
Conceptual Metaphor
A guillemot can metaphorically represent something that thrives in harsh, precarious environments ('He clung to his principles like a guillemot to a cliff face').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key habitat for guillemots?