What does seagull mean?
A seagull is a familiar coastal bird, usually referring to the herring gull or a closely related gull seen around beaches, ports, and harbours. Its white-and-grey plumage, loud calls, and willingness to approach people for food have made it a common subject in descriptions of seaside life. The word is used both for the characteristic herring gull and, less precisely, for gulls more generally. In everyday speech, seagull can suggest an urban or holiday seaside setting, where the birds are associated with scraps, chips, and noisy crowds. It is a straightforward and accessible word, but it is not a formal scientific term for a single species; “gull” is the broader family name, while “herring gull” identifies the species most often meant in ordinary usage.
A gull that lives along the sea, especially the common herring gull.
"The seagull followed the boat along the coast."
Informally, any gull, particularly one seen near a seaside or harbour.
"Several seagulls gathered around the food stall."
The regular plural is used when referring to more than one bird or to a group of them.
"The seagulls gathered on the roof of the pier."
The word “seagull” captures the bird’s close association with the shoreline, where it is often seen scavenging near fishing boats and harbours.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does seagull come from?
The word is formed from the Old English word “sæ” meaning “sea” and “gull,” the bird’s name. The form “seagull” developed as a compound to distinguish the sea-associated bird from other gulls and related birds, and the prefix ultimately disappeared from the modern word. “Gull” itself is of Germanic origin and is related to words in other Germanic languages.
Related word forms
How seagull is actually used
The word is common and generally neutral, though it can sound less formal than the more taxonomically precise term “gull.” It is especially familiar in British and American English.
Easily confused with seagull
A gull is any bird of the gull family, whereas a seagull specifically refers to a gull associated with the sea, especially the common herring gull.