leatherback

noun

leath·​er·​back ˈle-t͟hər-ˌbak 

: the largest existing sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) distinguished by its flexible carapace composed of a mosaic of small bones embedded in a thick leathery skin

Illustration of leatherback

Examples of leatherback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In Palm Beach, Florida, where local conservationists report that off-leash dogs have been harassing nesting turtles and digging up nests, the advocacy group Bear Warriors United intends to sue the town for not adhering to endangered species protections of green, leatherback, and loggerhead turtles. —Byrichard Pallardy, science.org, 28 June 2024

The area, which includes popular spots such as Pismo Beach and the Gaviota Coast, is home to humpback whales, sea otters, leatherback sea turtles, kelp forests, rocky reefs and more than 200 shipwrecks. —Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2024

Plastic bags are among the most common types of plastic waste consumed by or entangling marine animals, including the endangered Pacific leatherback sea turtles, whales and dolphins. —Fiona Hines, The Mercury News, 6 July 2024

Plastic bags are often mistaken for jellyfish by leatherback turtles and consumed. —Kurt Snibbe, Orange County Register, 18 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1855, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

leatherback

noun

leath·​er·​back ˈlet͟h-ər-ˌbak 

: the largest existing sea turtle with a shell composed of small bones embedded in a thick leathery skin