seafowl

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a bird that frequents coastal waters and the open ocean: gulls; pelicans; gannets; cormorants; albatrosses; petrels; etc.

Etymology

From Middle English sefoul, from Old English sǣfugol (“seabird”), equivalent to sea + fowl. Cognate with Dutch zeevogel, German Seevogel, Swedish sjöfågel, Icelandic sjófugl.

In classic literature

The snow was wet underfoot and seafowl were swooping around. — The Literary World Seventh Reader, Unknown
Down to the margin of the roaring sea He came, and sadly went along the sand, Between the waves and black o'erhanging cliffs Where in and out the screaming seafowl fly; Until he came to where a gully breaks Through the cliff-wall, and a fresh stream runs down From the high moors behind, and meets the sea. — Poetical Works of Matthew Arnold, Matthew Arnold
However, though it was frightful to be alone in this frozen vault, with no other society than that of the dead, not even a seafowl to put life into the scene, I could not but feel that, be my prospects what they might, for the moment I was safe--that is to say, I was immeasurably securer than ever I could have been in the boat, which, when I had emerged into this stormy sound and realized the sea that was running outside, I instantly thought of with a shudder. — The Frozen Pirate, William Clark Russell

Synonyms

seabird, sea bird

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seafowl

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In classic literature

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