seabird: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral. Common in biological, ecological, and general descriptive contexts.
Quick answer
What does “seabird” mean?
A bird that lives primarily or exclusively in, on, or near the sea or ocean, deriving its food from it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A bird that lives primarily or exclusively in, on, or near the sea or ocean, deriving its food from it.
Any bird ecologically adapted to a marine environment, often characterized by adaptations like webbed feet, salt glands, and the ability to drink seawater. The term can also be used metaphorically or poetically to evoke themes of freedom, travel, or connection to the sea.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling is consistent as a solid compound. The concept is equally relevant in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral and descriptive in both. May evoke stronger associations with coastal life in British English due to geography.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English, reflecting the UK's island nature and maritime culture, but common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “seabird” in a Sentence
[seabird] + [verb: nests, feeds, dives][adjective] + [seabird][seabird] + [preposition: on the cliff, in the colony]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “seabird” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The RSPB manages several important seabird colonies.
- We took a seabird survey trip from Aberdeen.
American English
- The Audubon Society focuses on seabird protection.
- Oil spills are a major threat to seabird habitats.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in tourism (seabird watching tours) or environmental impact assessments.
Academic
Common in biology, ecology, zoology, and environmental science papers.
Everyday
Common in conversation about coasts, wildlife, holidays, and nature documentaries.
Technical
Used in ornithology and conservation biology with precise species classifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “seabird”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “seabird”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “seabird”
- Misspelling as two words 'sea bird' (acceptable but less common) or hyphenated 'sea-bird' (archaic). Confusing with 'seagull' (a type of seabird).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, penguins are flightless seabirds, ecologically adapted to marine life.
Seabirds (e.g., albatross, gannet) get food from the sea, often far offshore. Shorebirds (e.g., sandpipers, plovers) are waders that feed mainly on invertebrates on shores and mudflats.
The solid compound 'seabird' is standard. 'Sea bird' is occasionally seen but is less common in modern usage.
Major threats include climate change (affecting fish stocks), plastic pollution, overfishing, invasive species on nesting islands, and bycatch in fishing gear.
A bird that lives primarily or exclusively in, on, or near the sea or ocean, deriving its food from it.
Seabird is usually neutral. common in biological, ecological, and general descriptive contexts. in register.
Seabird: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsiː.bɜːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsiː.bɝːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specifically with 'seabird'.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the two parts: SEA (where it lives) + BIRD (what it is). Imagine a bird surfing on a wave.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SEABIRD IS A MARINER/EXPLORER (e.g., 'the albatross, that solitary seabird, traverses vast oceans').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically considered a seabird?