pelican

noun pel·i·can \ˈpe-li-kən\

: a large ocean bird that has a large bag that is part of its lower bill for catching and holding fish

Full Definition of PELICAN

: any of a genus (Pelecanus) of large web-footed fish-eating birds with a very large bill and distensible gular pouch

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Middle English, from Old English pellican, from Late Latin pelecanus, from Greek pelekan

First Known Use: before 12th century

PELICAN Defined for Kids

noun pel·i·can \ˈpe-li-kən\

: a large bird with webbed feet and a very large bill having a pouch on the lower part used to scoop in fish for food

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