Spanish word

gaviota

Pronunciation

IPA/gaˈβjota/

Meaning

  • feminine nounseagull

Example

Vi una gaviota en la playa.

I saw a seagull on the beach.

Illustration for gaviota (seagull)

More examples

Mi sobrino le gusta dar de comer a las gaviotas cuando vamos a la playa.

My nephew likes to feed the seagulls when we go to the beach.

Core concept

Small to medium white-and-gray gull commonly seen flying and feeding at shorelines.

Common phrases

  • dar de comer a las gaviotas

    feed the seagulls

  • volar como una gaviota

    fly like a seagull

Similar words

pájaro: Any common bird that flies, with feathers and a beak, found in many habitats.
ave: Feathered animal with wings that typically flies and lays eggs.
ave marina: Sea bird that spends most of its life by the coast and feeds at shorelines.
pelícano: Very large seabird with a long hooked bill and a throat pouch to catch fish.

Definition in Spanish

Ave costera común en playas y puertos, de coloración generalmente clara, que se alimenta de peces y restos junto a las orillas.

Word origin

Spanish gaviota derives from Portuguese gaivota and related Romance forms such as Catalan gavina, with no clear older source.

Usage tips

  • Grammatical gender is feminine, so use la gaviota and plural las gaviotas when matching articles and adjectives.

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