herring gull

noun

: a common large gull (Larus argentatus) of the northern hemisphere that as an adult is largely white with a gray mantle, dark wing tips, pink feet, and yellow bill

Examples of herring gull in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In February, someone reported one wrapped around a herring gull in Canada. Jessica Leigh Hester, Wired, 17 Apr. 2021 The little rocky outpost is a sanctuary for a number of bird species with vulnerable populations, including great black-backed and herring gulls, as well as cormorants and shags. Ryan Prior, CNN, 23 Oct. 2019 The family and their fishing hosts were then absorbed in the adventure of a Lake Michigan outing: an orange horizon at dawn, herring gulls in the air, a brisk southeast breeze, the roll of the boat. Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 23 June 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'herring gull.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of herring gull was in 1857

Dictionary Entries Near herring gull

Cite this Entry

“Herring gull.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herring%20gull. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

herring gull

noun
: a common large gull of the northern hemisphere that as an adult is largely white and gray with dark wing tips

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