Definition & Meaning of "gannet"

What is a "gannet"?

A gannet is a large seabird with a distinctive long pointed beak, white plumage, and black-tipped wings. It spends most of its life in the ocean, diving for fish and other prey. Gannets are known for their spectacular plunge dives, where they fold their wings and hit the water at high speeds to catch fish. They have a wingspan of around 6 feet (1.8 meters) and can fly for long distances without flapping their wings, gliding on thermal currents. Gannets form large breeding colonies on rocky cliffs near the ocean, where they build their nests and raise their young. They are found in coastal regions around the world, with the largest populations in the North Atlantic.