flamingo

noun

fla·​min·​go flə-ˈmiŋ-(ˌ)gō 

plural flamingos also flamingoes

: any of several large aquatic birds (family Phoenicopteridae) with long legs and neck, webbed feet, a broad lamellate bill resembling that of a duck but abruptly bent downward, and usually rosy-white plumage with scarlet wing coverts and black wing quills

Illustration of flamingo

Examples of flamingo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Though millions still flock to these toxic havens, the lesser flamingo’s future is precarious. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024

Lagoons that are home to rare flamingos; vegetation that feeds goats, sheep, and guanacos; and a way of life followed by Indigenous Atacameño communities for thousands of years may all be in danger. —Vince Beiser, TIME, 29 Nov. 2024

Except for the giant pink flamingos at voting booths. —Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 16 Sep. 2024

Learn more › Florida’s manatees are as much a part of the state’s seascape as flamingoes, dolphins, reef fish, and smelly seaweed. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

obsolete Spanish flamengo (now flamenco), literally, Fleming, German (conventionally thought of as ruddy-complexioned)

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

flamingo

noun

fla·​min·​go flə-ˈmiŋ-gō 

plural flamingos also flamingoes

: any of several rosy-white birds with scarlet wings, a very long neck and legs, and a broad bill bent down at the end that are often found wading in shallow water

Etymology

from Portuguese flamingo "flamingo," from Spanish flamenco "flamingo," derived from Latin flamma "flame"; so called from the fiery red feathers on the underside of the wings