petrel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, literary, technical (ornithology)
Quick answer
What does “petrel” mean?
A seabird, typically with long wings, that flies far from land and often follows ships.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A seabird, typically with long wings, that flies far from land and often follows ships.
Sometimes used metaphorically to refer to a person who appears before trouble or change, like the storm petrel which was believed to signal storms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The metaphorical 'stormy petrel' (a harbinger of trouble) is slightly more common in British literary contexts.
Connotations
Neutral for the bird; slightly ominous or foreboding in the metaphorical sense.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, primarily found in nature writing, sailing contexts, and literature.
Grammar
How to Use “petrel” in a Sentence
[species name] + petrelpetrel + [verb of flight/observation]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in ornithology, zoology, and marine biology papers.
Everyday
Rare, except among birdwatchers, sailors, or in regions with coastal wildlife.
Technical
Specific term in ornithological classification and field guides.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “petrel”
- Misspelling as 'petral' or 'petrell'.
- Using it as a general term for any gull or seabird.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, etymologically. It comes from St. Peter, inspired by the bird's habit of flying low and appearing to walk on water, reminiscent of the biblical story.
No, 'petrel' is exclusively a noun in modern English.
The storm petrel is one of the most commonly referenced, especially in literature and sailing lore.
No, it is a low-frequency word specific to ornithology, nature writing, and certain nautical contexts.
A seabird, typically with long wings, that flies far from land and often follows ships.
Petrel is usually formal, literary, technical (ornithology) in register.
Petrel: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɛtrəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɛtrəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “stormy petrel (a person who brings or signals trouble)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PET RELying on the open ocean for food, far from any home.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PETREL IS A HARBINGER (in the rare metaphorical use).
Practice
Quiz
In a literary context, what might 'a stormy petrel' metaphorically refer to?