What does shearwater mean?
A shearwater is an oceanic seabird belonging to the petrel family Procellariidae. These birds are especially recognizable by their long, narrow wings, which they generally hold stiffly and slightly angled while gliding, often only a few metres above the waves. This flight technique allows them to travel efficiently over large stretches of ocean and to search for fish and other marine food near the surface. Many species nest in coastal burrows or on remote islands, and some undertake extensive annual migrations. The common name combines "shear" and "water," referring to the bird's characteristic way of shearing through the air near the sea. The word covers several distinct species, including the Manx shearwater, great shearwater, Sooty shearwater, and Cory's shearwater. Although shearwaters belong to the same broad family as other petrels, they are not puffins, and the two groups differ considerably in appearance and behavior.
nounAny of various oceanic seabirds in the petrel family Procellariidae, having long, narrow wings that are held stiffly and angled as the bird flies. Shearwaters typically hunt close to the sea surface and include well-known species such as the Manx shearwater and the great shearwater.
- Any of various oceanic birds of the petrel family Procellariidae, characterized by long, narrow wings and a habit of flying low over the sea.
"A Manx shearwater swept low over the waves before disappearing into its burrow."
"The shearwater returned to its island breeding colony at dusk."
"Divers often see shearwaters riding the swell far offshore."
The regular plural is formed by adding -s; when referring to the group collectively, the name may remain unchanged.
"Several shearwaters followed the fishing boat across the bay."
A shearwater's wings barely flap: it glides by holding them stiffly against the airflow, an energy-efficient way to patrol the ocean for food.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shearwater come from?
Shearwater is a 19th-century English compound formed from "shear" and "water." The name refers to the birds' habit of shearing through the air while flying close to the sea. Its first element belongs to the same Germanic verbal root reflected in forms such as "shear" and "shorn."
How shearwater is actually used
The term is a general common name rather than a designation for one species. Individual species names are commonly capitalized, as in "Manx shearwater" and "great shearwater."