coral reef

noun

: a long line of coral that lies in warm, shallow water

Examples of coral reef in a Sentence

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Days can be spent visiting Buddhist temples, swimming beneath waterfalls, and hopping on boats to snorkel around colorful coral reefs. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2025 In the Northwest Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, invasive lionfish, native to Asia and Australia, have spread, preying on native fish essential to coral reefs. Christine Keiner, The Conversation, 28 Feb. 2025 In April 2024, as the oceans started simmering, 77 percent of the world’s coral reefs became imperiled in the most extensive bleaching event on record, threatening the livelihoods of a billion people and a quarter of marine life. Sachi Kitajima Mulkey / Grist, Popular Science, 30 Jan. 2025 There are mountains, deserts, swamps, coral reefs, and islands, plus a wide array of wildlife — from the elk and pronghorn in Grand Teton National Park to the tortoises and bighorn sheep in Joshua Tree. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for coral reef

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Cite this Entry

“Coral reef.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coral%20reef. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

coral reef

noun
: a reef made up of corals, other organic substances, and limestone

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