gannet Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun large heavily built seabird with a long stout bill noted for its plunging dives for fish

OE. gant, AS. ganet, ganot, a sea fowl, a fen duck; akin to D. gent gander, OHG. ganazzo. See Gander, Goose.

(Zoöl.) One of several species of sea birds of the genus Sula, allied to the pelicans. ✍ The common gannet of Europe and America (S. bassana), is also called solan goose, chandel goose, and gentleman. In Florida the wood ibis is commonly called gannet.