penguin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral. Common in everyday, academic, and children's contexts.
Quick answer
What does “penguin” mean?
A flightless black and white seabird of the southern hemisphere, with wings modified into flippers for swimming.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A flightless black and white seabird of the southern hemisphere, with wings modified into flippers for swimming.
Figuratively, a person or thing likened to a penguin, often due to appearance (e.g., formal attire resembling black and white plumage) or perceived clumsiness on land.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Pronunciation and potential cultural reference points (e.g., specific brands, children's media) may vary.
Connotations
Both varieties share connotations of cold climates, cuteness, and clumsiness. In UK contexts, associations with Antarctic exploration (e.g., Scott) may be slightly stronger.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “penguin” in a Sentence
[see + penguin + V-ing][watch + penguin + swim][There is/are + NUM + penguin(s)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “penguin” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The penguin exhibit was very popular.
- He had a penguin-like waddle.
American English
- The penguin habitat is carefully climate-controlled.
- She wore a penguin-print sweater.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in branding (e.g., Penguin Books) or environmental CSR reports.
Academic
Common in biology, ecology, and climate science texts discussing polar ecosystems.
Everyday
Very common, especially in conversations about animals, zoos, nature documentaries, and children's topics.
Technical
Used in zoological taxonomy (order Sphenisciformes) and marine biology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “penguin”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “penguin”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “penguin”
- Misspelling as 'pengiun' or 'penguin' (incorrect doubling).
- Using 'penguin' as a countable noun without plural 's' (e.g., 'three penguin').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, penguins are flightless birds. Their wings have evolved into flippers for swimming.
No. While several species like the Emperor and Adelie are endemic to Antarctica, others live in temperate or even tropical regions, such as the Galápagos penguin.
Penguins are carnivorous, primarily eating fish, krill, squid, and other small sea creatures they catch while swimming.
The countershading provides camouflage: from above, their dark backs blend with the dark ocean depths; from below, their white bellies blend with the bright surface light.
A flightless black and white seabird of the southern hemisphere, with wings modified into flippers for swimming.
Penguin is usually neutral. common in everyday, academic, and children's contexts. in register.
Penguin: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɛŋɡwɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɛŋɡwɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As formal as a penguin (informal, referencing tuxedo-like appearance)”
- “To have a penguin's waddle (to walk clumsily)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a pen with a wing (pen-guin) that can't fly, waddling on the ice.
Conceptual Metaphor
PENGUINS ARE FORMAL WAITERS (due to black and white plumage resembling a tuxedo).
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is NOT a primary characteristic of a penguin?