First Known Use: 1676
Dictionary
petrel
noun pe·trel \ˈpe-trəl, ˈpē-\
: a bird that has long wings and usually dark feathers and that lives mainly on the ocean
Full Definition of PETREL
: any of numerous seabirds (especially families Procellariidae and Hydrobatidae); especially : one of the smaller long-winged birds that fly far from land — compare storm petrel
See petrel defined for English-language learners
See petrel defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of PETREL
alteration of earlier pitteral
PETREL Defined for Kids
petrel
noun pe·trel \ˈpe-trəl, ˈpē-\
Definition of PETREL for Kids
: a small seabird with long wings that flies far from land
Learn More About PETREL
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: petrescentPrevious Word in the Dictionary: PetreaAll Words Near: petrel
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up petrel? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).