any large, web-footed, seabird of the family Sulidae, having a sharply pointed bill, long wings, and a wedge-shaped tail, noted for its plunging dives for fish.
Origin
before 900;Middle English;Old Englishganot; akin to Dutchgentgander
Examples from the web for gannet
It is the largest gannet-nesting colony in the world.
The former is a species of gannet, and the latter a tern.
In spite of its hostile environment, the island is host to a number of bird species including a gannet colony.
British Dictionary definitions for gannet
gannet
/ˈɡænɪt/
noun
1.
any of several heavily built marine birds of the genus Morus (or Sula), having a long stout bill and typically white plumage with dark markings: family Sulidae, order Pelecaniformes (pelicans, cormorants, etc) See also booby (sense 3)
2.
(slang) a gluttonous or greedy person
Word Origin
Old English ganot; related to Old High German gannazzo gander
Word Origin and History for gannet
n.
Old English ganot "gannet, sea-bird, water fowl," from Proto-Germanic *ganito (cf. Dutch gent, Middle High German ganiz, Old High German ganazzo), from PIE *ghans- (see goose). Old French gante is from Germanic.