herring gull: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowNeutral, Technical
Quick answer
What does “herring gull” mean?
A large, common gull of northern coastal regions, typically with a grey back, white underparts, black wingtips with white spots, and a yellow bill with a red spot.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, common gull of northern coastal regions, typically with a grey back, white underparts, black wingtips with white spots, and a yellow bill with a red spot.
The term is used as the common name for the species Larus argentatus, known for its opportunistic feeding habits and presence around fishing harbours. In some contexts, it can metaphorically represent something commonplace, noisy, or scavenging.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The species (Larus argentatus) is known as the 'herring gull' in both varieties, but regional subspecies (e.g., the American herring gull, Larus argentatus smithsonianus) may be specified in technical ornithological contexts.
Connotations
Neutral ornithological term; in coastal towns, it may connote noise and scavenging behaviour.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, encountered mainly in nature writing, birding guides, and coastal descriptions.
Grammar
How to Use “herring gull” in a Sentence
[Determiner] + herring gull + [Verb]The herring gull + [Verb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “herring gull” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The herring-gull population has exploded in recent decades.
American English
- The herring gull population has increased near the harbour.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in ornithology, ecology, and environmental science papers.
Everyday
Used by people living near coasts or describing seaside scenes.
Technical
Standard binomial name Larus argentatus; used in field guides and scientific surveys.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “herring gull”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “herring gull”
- Using 'herring gull' to refer to any seagull (it's a specific species).
- Misspelling as 'hearing gull'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Seagull' is a generic, non-scientific term for many gull species. 'Herring gull' refers specifically to the species Larus argentatus.
In some regions (e.g., the UK), herring gulls are protected under wildlife laws, though they can be controlled under licence in specific nuisance situations.
They are omnivorous scavengers, eating fish, invertebrates, human food waste, and even small birds or mammals.
Historically, it was commonly seen feeding on herring and other fish discarded by fishing boats.
A large, common gull of northern coastal regions, typically with a grey back, white underparts, black wingtips with white spots, and a yellow bill with a red spot.
Herring gull is usually neutral, technical in register.
Herring gull: in British English it is pronounced /ˈherɪŋ ɡʌl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɛrɪŋ ɡʌl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Herring' is a common fish, and this gull is often seen near fishing boats catching herring.
Conceptual Metaphor
A herring gull can metaphorically represent an opportunistic scavenger or a noisy intruder.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary habitat of the herring gull?