noun

fulmar

FUL-mar

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Fulmar (noun) means Either of two related species of pelagic seabird in the genus Fulmarus that nest on sea cliffs. Example: “Fulmars glide low over the waves on stiff, outstretched wings.”

noun

Either of two related species of pelagic seabird in the genus Fulmarus that nest on sea cliffs.

"Fulmars glide low over the waves on stiff, outstretched wings."

"A pair of fulmars had nested on the ledge above the harbour."

"Birdwatchers spotted a fulmar riding the wind along the cliff top."

How to use fulmar

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA fulmar is a gull-like seabird that nests on cliffs and defends itself by spitting smelly stomach oil.

When to use it

It is a neutral, everyday name used in ordinary birdwatching and nature writing.

Memory tip

Don't confuse a fulmar with a gull just because it looks similar in flight; its stiff-winged glide is a giveaway.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

gull →

Common pairings

a fulmar colony nesting fulmars northern fulmar southern fulmar

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “fulmar” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ glide low over the waves on stiff, outstretched wings.

Etymology

The word comes from Icelandic fulmar, which traces back to Old Norse fulmar, itself a combination of the Old Norse words for foul and gull. The name is thought to refer to the foul-smelling stomach oil the bird spits at anything that threatens it.

Origin: Icelandic

Synonyms

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fulmar-petrel stinker

Related words

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Frequently asked questions

What is a fulmar?

A fulmar is a seabird in the genus Fulmarus that spends much of its life over the open sea and nests on cliffs.

Why is it called a fulmar?

Its name comes from Old Norse words meaning foul and gull, a reference to the foul-smelling oil it spits to deter predators.

How many species of fulmar are there?

There are two: the northern fulmar and the southern fulmar.

What is the meaning of fulmar?

"fulmar" (noun) means either of two related species of pelagic seabird in the genus Fulmarus that nest on sea cliffs.

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