aquatic

1 of 2

adjective

aquat·​ic ə-ˈkwä-tik  -ˈkwa- 

1

: growing or living in or frequenting water

aquatic mosquito larvae

2

: taking place in or on water

aquatic sports

aquatically

ə-ˈkwä-ti-k(ə-)lē 

-ˈkwa-

adverb

aquatic

2 of 2

noun

1

: an aquatic animal or plant

2

aquatics ə-ˈkwä-tiks 

-ˈkwa-

plural in form but singular or plural in construction : water sports

Synonyms

Adjective

• submarine
• submerged
• sunken
• underwater

Examples of aquatic in a Sentence

Adjective

a lifelong fascination with sharks and other fearsome aquatic creatures

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Or take nature walks or play aquatic sports in the local saltwater lagoons. —Ashley Cusick, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2024

According to artist Gabrielle Jolie Stratmann, aquatic decor has long been a feature in New England design, but Sardinecore puts a new spin on that style. —Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2024

Noun

Advertisement Trainer Ryan suggests aquatics training. —Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024

During the 1940s, Carpenter popped up wearing a Jacquemus outfit perfect for the tribute to aquatics. —Hedy Phillips, Peoplemag, 23 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

earlier, "of water," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, "living in water," going back to Old French aquatike "having the nature of water," borrowed from Latin aquāticus "of water, growing or living in water," from aqua "water" + -āticus, adjective suffix of appurtenance — more at island entry 1, -age

Noun

derivative of aquatic entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

aquatic

1 of 2 adjective

aquat·​ic ə-ˈkwät-ik  -ˈkwat- 

1

: growing or living in or often found in water

aquatic animals

2

: performed in or on water

aquatic sports

aquatic

2 of 2 noun

: an aquatic animal or plant

Medical Definition

aquatic

adjective

aquat·​ic ə-ˈkwät-ik  -ˈkwat- 

: growing or living in or frequenting water

aquatic mosquito larvae