Pinguim Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈpɪŋɡwɪm/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A genus of aquatic birds in the family Charadriidae, commonly referred to as penguins due to their distinctive black and white coloring and waddling gait.

Examples

• The penguin colonies in Antarctica are a popular tourist attraction.
• Pinguim parenting involves the male and female sharing incubation duties.
• The penguin’s unique adaptation to cold climates has been studied extensively.
• Pinguim species are found throughout the Southern Hemisphere.
• The penguin’s flightless nature has led to their evolution of strong swimming abilities.

Etymology

The term ‘Pinguim’ originates from the Old French word ‘pingu’, meaning “fin” or “tip”, likely due to the fish-like appearance of these birds.

Usage Notes

When referring to these birds, it’s generally acceptable to use the generic term ‘penguin’, while ‘Pinguim’ specifically refers to the genus name.

Cultural References

Pinguim have been featured in various forms of media, including animated films, documentaries, and comedy sketches.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

‘Penguin waddle’ refers to a person’s awkward gait.

Related Words or Phrases

Swim, Dive, Feather, Beak, Flipper, Antarctic

Collocations

Penguin and ice, Penguin and emperor, Penguin and colony

Frequency of Use

Pinguim is a relatively uncommon term in everyday conversation, but its usage is increasing in scientific and educational contexts.

Common Misspellings

Pingwin, Pengwin, Pingwing