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macaroni penguin
noun
: a small penguin (Eudyptes chrysolophus) that has an orange, yellow, and black crest on the head and a black chin and that breeds on subantarctic islands
Examples of macaroni penguin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There is also a saltwater Ocean Journey exhibit, an IMAX 3D theater, and... a few macaroni penguins.
—Jacob Linden, Redbook, 17 Aug. 2023
Whoever named the macaroni penguin was not thinking of dinner, but the name is unfortunately apt.
—Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2014
The Kansas City Zoo is now home for eight fluffy new macaroni penguin chicks.
—USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2019
This process takes 16 days, and female macaroni penguins will lay their eggs just seven to 14 days after finally making landfall again.
—National Geographic, 4 Oct. 2016
The island is also home to 180,000 macaroni penguins (Eudyptes chrysolophus).
—Aaron Sidder, National Geographic, 6 July 2016
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Word History
Etymology
probably from the resemblance of the penguin's crest to headgear supposedly worn by macaronis
First Known Use
1832, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near macaroni penguin
Cite this Entry
“Macaroni penguin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macaroni%20penguin. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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