Skip to main content
brent

brent

9.9
A small dark goose that breeds in the Arctic and flies south in winter
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : ganso brent
  • The brent goose migrates from the Arctic to warmer regions during the winter.

Examples

  • At the nature reserve, we spotted a brent goose among the other waterfowl.

  • Every spring, a flock of brent geese returns to our local wetlands.

  • But if this end were taken seriously, it would discipline Montaigne's account; he would hardly forget that the town was "clene brent and brought to distructyon."

    Academic text (1991)

Synonyms

brant
vsbrent
  • US
3 9.3

A small dark goose that breeds in the far north and flies south for the winter

is more specific naming Arctic breeding rather than broader northern areas
brent goose
vsbrent
  • UK
8.8

A small dark goose that breeds in the Arctic and flies south for the winter

is the shorter name used instead of the full two word form
brant goose
vsbrent
  • US
9.3

A small dark goose that breeds in the far north and flies south for winter

is focused on Arctic breeding rather than general northern breeding areas
Branta bernicla
vsbrent
  • Specialized
9.9

A small dark-bellied wild goose that lives on Arctic and temperate coasts

is focused on Arctic breeding and migration rather than broader coastal ranges

Compounds

8.8

A small dark goose that breeds in the Arctic and flies south for the winter

Surface Forms

brent singular
brents plural

Etymology

The word brent probably comes from an old word like brant meaning 'burnt'. A helpful way to remember it is that the brent is a small, dark goose, so the name points to its 'burnt' or dark colour.