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

Illustration of manta ray

Examples of manta ray in a Sentence

the manta ray blended in beautifully with the sandy ocean floor
Recent Examples on the Web
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Other animal sightings that are possible all year long include manta rays, dolphins, turtles, and various marine birds. Zachary Rabinor, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2024 Overhead, a menagerie of developmental detachable toys, including a wiggly octopus, chiming turtle with mirror, crinkly sea star, squeaker crab, and chiming manta ray beckon little hands and feet and promote hand-eye coordination. Pamela Brill, Parents, 24 Oct. 2024 Tagging manta rays and whale sharks in Indonesia offers immediate gratification. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2024 Snorkeling at Night With Manta Rays Kona is one of the few places in the world where manta rays can be viewed year-round in their natural habitat. Kait Hanson, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for manta ray 

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of manta ray was in 1951

Dictionary Entries Near manta ray

Cite this Entry

“Manta ray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manta%20ray. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on manta ray

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