sea-gull

A sea-gull flies over the ocean waves.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A seabird: "sea-gull" refers to a common seabird of the family Laridae, typically found near coasts and oceans, known for its white and gray plumage, long wings, and webbed feet. It is often seen scavenging for food along shorelines.

Usage Examples

• (A seabird eating near the coast.)
• (A group of seabirds flying over the ocean.)

Advanced Usage

• "sea-gull's cry": the distinctive call of this bird, often associated with coastal environments.

  • The sea-gull's cry echoed across the harbour at dawn. (The bird's call was heard over the water.)

• "to feed the sea-gulls": to give food to these birds, a common tourist activity.

  • Tourists often feed the sea-gulls at the pier. (People offer food to the birds for entertainment.)

Variants and Related Words

• Gull (n): a shorter, more common term for the same bird, often used interchangeably with "sea-gull."

  • A gull landed on the railing. (A seabird perched nearby.)

• Seagull (n): a variant spelling of "sea-gull," used as a single word in modern English.

  • The seagull squawked loudly. (The bird made a harsh noise.)

Synonyms

• Seabird: a bird that lives near the sea.
• Coastal bird: a bird found along coastlines.

Idioms and Fixed Expressions

• "as free as a sea-gull": to be carefree and unbound, like a bird flying over the ocean.

  • After retiring, he felt as free as a sea-gull. (He felt liberated and unrestricted.)

• "a sea-gull's lunch": a humorous term for food stolen or scavenged, mimicking the bird's behavior.

  • He grabbed a sandwich from the table like a sea-gull's lunch. (He took food quickly and opportunistically.)