wandering albatross

noun

: a large white albatross (Diomedea exulans) of southern oceans that has black outer wing feathers and a wingspan of about 11 feet (3.4 meters)

Examples of wandering albatross in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Based on the proportions of the bird and its rough resemblance to today’s wandering albatross, paleontologists suspect that Pelagornis sandersi spent much of its life soaring long distances over the seas. Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2023 The wandering albatross typically mates for life, producing offspring once every two years, though this can vary. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 6 Dec. 2022 The wandering albatross is believed to sleep in the air, holding its wings steady and flying along air currents. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 6 Dec. 2022 Its wingspan stretched up to 24 feet (about 7 meters), more than double today's largest flying bird, the wandering albatross (bottom right). Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 30 Oct. 2014 Humpback whales, elephant seals, and the wandering albatross, a seabird with a wingspan as long as a male great white shark, all call this area home. Leah Feiger, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2021 The wandering albatross looks not much different from a seagull, except it’s enormous. Colin Daileda, Longreads, 24 Mar. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wandering albatross was in 1836

Dictionary Entries Near wandering albatross

Cite this Entry

“Wandering albatross.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wandering%20albatross. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on wandering albatross

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!