1. a seabird with long wings that flies over the ocean, typically coming to land only to breed

Examples

• The petrel glided effortlessly over the waves.
• Storm petrels are among the smallest seabirds in the world.
• We spotted a petrel following our ship across the Atlantic.
• The petrel’s webbed feet help it swim when it lands on water.
• Giant petrels can have wingspans of over six feet.
• Petrels nest in burrows on remote islands.