mollyhawk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Rare / ObscureSpecialist / Dialectal / Poetic
Quick answer
What does “mollyhawk” mean?
An informal term for a young or immature black-browed albatross or other mollymawk species of seabird.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An informal term for a young or immature black-browed albatross or other mollymawk species of seabird.
Can refer specifically to the fledgling stage of an albatross; figuratively, can denote an inexperienced or youthful person, though this usage is rare and chiefly poetic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More likely to be known in British or Commonwealth contexts (e.g., New Zealand, Australia, South Georgia) where the birds are native. Almost unknown in general American English.
Connotations
In British/NZ/AU maritime contexts, may carry a neutral or slightly affectionate connotation for the bird. In broader English, it is simply a technical/obscure term.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, but marginally higher in regions where the birds are common.
Grammar
How to Use “mollyhawk” in a Sentence
The [young albatross] is known as a mollyhawk.We saw a mollyhawk on the cliffs.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in specialized ornithological or zoological texts discussing seabird development.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Specific term in zoology/ornithology for a developmental stage of certain albatrosses.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mollyhawk”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mollyhawk”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mollyhawk”
- Using it as a general term for any young bird.
- Confusing it with 'mollycoddle'.
- Assuming it is a common word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare and specialist term used mainly in ornithology and specific regional dialects.
It is not a separate species. It is a term for a young or immature albatross of the mollymawk group (genus Thalassarche).
It is not a standard metaphor. In very rare poetic usage, it might imply youthful inexperience, but it is not an established idiom.
Yes. 'Mollymawk' is the common name for several mid-sized albatross species. 'Mollyhawk' typically refers specifically to the young of those species.
An informal term for a young or immature black-browed albatross or other mollymawk species of seabird.
Mollyhawk is usually specialist / dialectal / poetic in register.
Mollyhawk: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɒl.i.hɔːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑː.li.hɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(None established in common usage)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A 'Molly' that is a young 'hawk' of the sea (albatross).
Conceptual Metaphor
YOUTH IS AN IMMATURE BIRD (in very restricted contexts).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'mollyhawk' most likely to be used correctly?