noun

petrel

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Petrel (noun) means any of various black, grey or white seabirds that spend most of their life far out at sea. Example: “A petrel glided low over the waves behind the fishing boat.”

noun

Any of various black, grey or white seabirds that spend most of their life far out at sea.

"A petrel glided low over the waves behind the fishing boat."

"Storm petrels are among the smallest seabirds you will see offshore."

"The cliffs are home to a large colony of petrels."

How to use petrel

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA petrel is a seabird that lives far out over the ocean.

When to use it

Petrel is a specific, everyday name for this group of seabirds rather than a technical term.

Memory tip

Listen carefully when this word is spoken aloud, since in most accents it sounds identical to petrol.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

petrol →

Common pairings

a storm petrel a colony of petrels a petrel's nest

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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 “petrel” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A _____ glided low over the waves behind the fishing boat.

Etymology

Petrel comes from an earlier English form, pitteral. One suggestion links the name to a diminutive of Peter, referencing the story of St Peter walking on water. A separate suggestion, proposed by the ornithologist Elliott Coues, derives it instead from patter or pitter-patter.

Origin: English

Frequently asked questions

What is a petrel?

A petrel is a seabird, coloured black, grey or white, that spends much of its life out over the open ocean.

Why is a petrel called a petrel?

One idea links it to a diminutive of Peter, referencing St Peter walking on water; a separate idea derives it from patter or pitter-patter.

Is petrel the same word as petrol?

No, though they sound alike in most accents. A petrel is a seabird, while petrol is the fuel used in vehicles.

What is the meaning of petrel?

"petrel" (noun) means any of various black, grey or white seabirds that spend most of their life far out at sea.