Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
guillemot

guillemot

1 9.9
A small seabird that nests on cliffs and dives for fish
  • noun
  • /ˈɡiːləˌmɒt/
  • UK
translation icon : guillemot
  • On the cliffs, we spotted several guillemots nesting among the rocks during our coastal hike.
  • black guillemots

Examples

  • Pigeon guillemots paddle across the surface of a kelp bed below, and cormorants roost on offshore outcrops.

    Academic text (2007)

  • We noted a few white-winged scoters and a few black guillemots along the way.

    Blog text (17)

  • Thick-billed Murre or Brunnich's Guillemot (Uria lomvia) (height: medium 18 inches)

    Academic text (2004)

  • It remains popular since it can be a good chance to see loons, scoters, grebes, mergansers, eiders, and guillemots up close.

    Blog text (17)

  • The guillemot is known for its striking black and white plumage, often seen diving into the cold northern seas.

  • During the summer months, guillemots flock to the coastal cliffs, where they create their nests in the crevices.

Compounds

black guillemot
  • UK
9.4

A medium-sized seabird with mostly black feathers and white patches on its wings

pigeon guillemot
  • US
9.9

A black and white sea bird with red feet that dives for fish

Surface Forms

guillemot singular
guillemots plural

Etymology

The word guillemot comes from French and may come from the name Guillaume ('William'), so a helpful way to remember it is to imagine a small seabird nicknamed 'little William' that nests on rocky cliffs.