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Definition of auk
auk
/ɔːk/
auk
Plural:auks
auk Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
8
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
auk Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
Any of several short-winged, web-footed diving seabirds of the family Alcidae, native to the colder regions of the Northern Hemisphere, noted for their upright stance on land and ability to swim underwater using their wings.
Example
"The researchers observed a colony of auks nesting densely along the steep, rocky cliffs overlooking the Arctic Ocean."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for aukWord Nuance & Usage
Auks bear a strong physical and behavioral resemblance to penguins due to convergent evolution; however, unlike penguins, auks are restricted to the Northern Hemisphere and all living species are capable of flight.
• Rhymes for auk
Word Origin & Etymology
Mid 18th century: from Icelandic álka, descending from Old Norse.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Auk. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/auk