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Glite Dictionary
pewit gull

pewit gull

9.9
A small sea bird found in Europe with a black head during breeding season
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : gaviota de cabeza negra
  • The pewit gull is easily identified by its dark hood and slender build.

Examples

  • The pewit gull is known for its distinctive black head.

  • We spotted a flock of pewit gulls calling noisily near the estuary.

  • In early spring, the pewit gull returns to its breeding grounds along marshy lakes.

  • Look at that pewit gull soaring above the lake.

  • In early spring, the pewit gull returns to its breeding grounds along marshy lakes.

  • The pewit gull is easily identified by its dark hood and slender build.

  • We spotted a flock of pewit gulls calling noisily near the estuary.

Synonyms

gull
vspewit gull
27 2.0

A medium to large white seabird with long pointed wings and short legs

is a specific small European species with a dark breeding head
Larus ridibundus
vspewit gull
  • Specialized
9.9

A small gull with a white body and a dark brown head in breeding season

is the common or alternative name for the same small species

Surface Forms

pewit gull singular
pewit gulls plural

Morphology

pewit + gull

The modifier 'pewit' is not a productive or transparent English lexical element but a specific species name/label, so its contribution to meaning is arbitrary rather than derivable. A B1 learner who only knows 'gull' cannot infer the specific sense 'small European gull with a black head' from the constituents, making the expression opaque.

Etymology

Pewit gull may get its name from the bird's cry, because the sound people hear is like the word 'pewit'. That's why the name helps you remember this small European gull that has a black head when it breeds.