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seagull

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ˈsiˌɡəɫ// UK //sˈiːɡʌl// seag·ull Slang

n. a common sea bird with white and grey feathers that lives near the ocean. These birds are known for being loud and sometimes stealing food from people at the beach.

n. any of various white and grey aquatic birds of the family Laridae, typically found near coastal areas. Often used as a general term for gulls, though many distinct species exist within the genus.


SIMPLE

A seagull flew down and stole my sandwich.

CONTEXTUAL

We watched a lone seagull circling the pier, waiting for the fishing boats to return with their daily catch.

COMPLEX

The coastal town's atmosphere was defined by the constant, piercing cries of seagulls that nested among the jagged cliffs and scavenged along the bustling boardwalk.

Synonyms
Origin

From sea + gull. The second element is from a Brythonic language. Compare Welsh gwylan, Breton gouelan.

Idioms1 entry

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