manta ray

noun

: devil ray

especially : a ray (Manta birostris) that averages 22 feet (6.7 meters) in width with a weight reaching 3000 pounds (1361 kilograms)

Illustration of manta ray

Synonyms

• devilfish
• manta
• sea devil

Examples of manta ray in a Sentence

the manta ray blended in beautifully with the sandy ocean floor

Recent Examples on the Web

The new manta-robot has a body made of silicone and flexible wings that move exactly like those of a manta ray. —Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 31 Dec. 2024

After all, there are opportunities to see sea turtles, seahorses, sharks, eels, manta rays, and tropical fish in the wild. —Erik Trinidad, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2024

During these dives one is likely to swim with dolphins, turtles, and manta rays. —Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025

Take everyone snorkeling to see manta rays, hop aboard the Horizon E62 house yacht at sunset to go dolphin watching, and throw a monumental dinner party on your private beach. —Katie Kiefner, Vogue, 1 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

manta ray

noun

man·​ta ray

ˈmant-ə-

: any of several extremely large rays that are widely distributed in warm seas and have enlarged pectoral fins resembling wings

called also devilfish, manta