penguin
Syllabification: (pen·guin)
Pronunciation: /ˈpeNGgwin, ˈpengwin/
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Definition of penguin
noun
- a large flightless seabird of the southern hemisphere, with black upper parts and white underparts and wings developed into flippers for swimming under water. See also Adélie penguin, emperor penguin, king penguin, macaroni penguin.
- Family Spheniscidae: six genera and several species
Origin:
late 16th century (originally denoting the great auk): of unknown origin