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Definition of auk

auk

/ɔːk/
auk
Plural:auks
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auk Lexical Profile

auk Game Scores & Validity

• 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 auk

Word 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

• Nearby Words

august
augusta
augustly
auk
auklet
aunt
auntie

Word Origin & Etymology

Mid 18th century: from Icelandic álka, descending from Old Norse.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Auk. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/auk
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