sea otter

noun

: a rare marine otter (Enhydra lutris) of the northern Pacific coasts that may attain a length of six feet (two meters), is chiefly brown but with lighter coloration on the back of the head and neck, and feeds largely on shellfish

Examples of sea otter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Besides conducting tours, the docents staff information kiosks and a museum, help with trail maintenance and log sea otter sightings to aid in habitat restoration efforts. —Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2024

The sea otter is the smallest North American sea mammal. —Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024

If time in Homer allows, book a Kachemak Bay wildlife cruise to spot sea otters, seals, whales, and puffins before jetting back to Anchorage. —Stephanie Vermillion, USA TODAY, 19 Oct. 2024

The 4,500-square-mile-sanctuary protects at-risk species such as shorebirds, whales, dolphins, sea turtles and sea otters. —Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sea otter

noun

: a large marine otter of northern Pacific coasts that feeds mostly on shellfish (as clams, crabs, and sea urchins) and can grow to nearly six feet (two meters) in length