gentoo penguin

noun

gen·​too penguin ˈjen-(ˌ)tü- How to pronounce gentoo penguin (audio)
: a penguin (Pygoscelis papua) of Antarctica and nearby islands with a gray back and throat, white underparts, and white spots above the eyes

called also gentoo

Examples of gentoo penguin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Conditions permitting, your adventure-seeking brood could kayak the White Continent’s frigid waters, join Zodiac excursions to see gentoo penguin colonies, and snowshoe across the icy landscape, led by HX’s wildlife and expedition guides. Kerry Spencer, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Dec. 2024 Fortunately, bird flu is something that is unlikely to ever concern Pesto – who will live out his life in an enclosure that has strict biosecurity procedures in place to keep the exhibit's king and smaller gentoo penguins free from external virus exposure. New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2024 The term originated from the actions of gentoo penguins in Antarctica, who were observed presenting rocks to each other as a form of courtship. Kristina Behr, Parents, 25 June 2024 These staffers also have another important duty: counting the roughly 1,500 gentoo penguins that live in a colony at Port Lockroy. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024 Our group of eight made our way from the ship to shore in a zodiac where a single gentoo penguin greeted us. Melissa McGibbon, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2024 The opening in our schedule gave us time to observe a massive gentoo penguin colony on nearby Cuverville Island, which provided a magical experience of its own. Melissa McGibbon, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2024 When gentoo penguins turn, their bellies face the inside of the turn, which is the opposite of what planes and flying birds do. Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 28 June 2023 While Adélie and chinstrap penguins remain stuck in their ancient ways come hell or warm water, the much more flexible gentoo penguins are ranging further and further south. Bill Weir, CNN, 26 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Falkland Islands English, perhaps from gentoo (though allusion is obscure)

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gentoo penguin was in 1860

Dictionary Entries Near gentoo penguin

Cite this Entry

“Gentoo penguin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gentoo%20penguin. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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