Cormorant
/ˈkɔːr.mə.rənt/noun
A large web-footed seabird with a long neck and hooked bill, known for diving for fish.
Did you know?The name was reshaped in medieval French from Latin roots meaning 'raven' and 'sea bird,' but in folklore cormorants were often treated as ominous, raven-like creatures of the coast.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
corvus marinus
“Literally 'sea raven,' a name used for a dark seabird.”
Old French
Old French
cormareng
“A form showing the word being reshaped in French as a seabird name.”
Middle English
English
cormeraunt
“A cormorant; the spelling and form were further altered in English.”
16th Century
English
cormorant
“The modern spelling becomes established for the seabird.”
Modern English
English
cormorant
“A large fish-eating seabird.”