mangrove

noun

man·​grove ˈman-ˌgrōv 

ˈmaŋ-

1

: any of a genus (Rhizophora, especially R. mangle of the family Rhizophoraceae) of tropical maritime trees or shrubs that send out many prop roots and form dense masses important in coastal land building and as foundations of unique ecosystems

2

: any of numerous trees (as of the genera Avicennia of the acanthus family or Sonneratia of the family Lythraceae) with growth habits like those of the true mangroves

Examples of mangrove in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Tampa Bay region has lost around half of its mangrove coverage since the 1940s, although much of the remaining mangroves are protected. —Matt Reynolds, WIRED, 9 Oct. 2024

Use dip nets and seine nets to study the aquatic life living amongst the mangroves in these salt marsh areas. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2024

With 40 miles of coastline lined with pristine sands and lush mangroves, RAK has become a major holiday destination. —Arash Jalili, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

To protect the shorelines, Red Sea Global, which owns the properties, has planted more than a million mangroves in a local nursery, an initiative that guests can join. —Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably from Portuguese mangue mangrove (from Spanish mangle, probably from Taino) + English grove

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

mangrove

noun

man·​grove ˈman-ˌgrōv 

ˈmaŋ-

: any of various tropical trees or shrubs that grow many prop roots and form dense masses in somewhat salty marshes or shallow salt water