seafowl: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Literary, technical (ornithological), archaic
Quick answer
What does “seafowl” mean?
Any bird that lives on or near the sea.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Any bird that lives on or near the sea; a seabird.
Refers specifically to birds whose primary habitat is the marine environment, including gulls, auks, albatrosses, petrels, and other species adapted for a life feeding from and living near the ocean.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Seabird' is the dominant term in both varieties. 'Seafowl' has a slightly more archaic/literary feel in both, but this nuance is consistent.
Connotations
In both, it may evoke a more traditional, nautical, or poetic context than the neutral 'seabird'.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, but marginally more likely to be encountered in British maritime literature or historical contexts. The modern standard term in all contexts is 'seabird'.
Grammar
How to Use “seafowl” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] seafowl [VERB] over the waves.A [NOUN] of seafowl gathered on the cliff.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rarely used in modern ornithology; 'seabird' is the standard scientific term. May appear in historical or literary studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Understood but deprecated in favor of 'seabird'. May be found in older field guides or nautical texts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “seafowl”
- Using it as a plural countable noun without an 's' (e.g., 'many seafowl' is correct; 'many seafowls' is less common).
- Using it in contemporary scientific or everyday contexts where 'seabird' is expected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in meaning. 'Seabird' is the standard modern term. 'Seafowl' is an older, more literary synonym.
It is not recommended unless you are specifically discussing historical texts or aiming for a deliberate archaic style. Use 'seabird' for clarity and modernity.
It is usually treated as a countable collective noun (e.g., 'many seafowl'). The plural 'seafowls' is rare and generally not used.
It is a transparent compound from Old English 'sǣ' (sea) + 'fugol' (bird, fowl), formed similarly to 'waterfowl'.
Any bird that lives on or near the sea.
Seafowl is usually literary, technical (ornithological), archaic in register.
Seafowl: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsiːfaʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsiˌfaʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FOWL (bird) that lives at SEA. Combine the two: SEA+FOWL.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SEA'S CHILDREN (birds as inhabitants/offspring of the maritime domain).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'seafowl' MOST appropriately used today?