stingray

noun

sting·​ray ˈstiŋ-ˌrā 

: any of numerous rays (as of the family Dasyatidae) with one or more large sharp barbed dorsal spines near the base of the whiplike tail capable of inflicting severe wounds

Illustration of stingray

Examples of stingray in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Otherwise, staff members led by the affable Ben can take guests out 300 feet on the Caicos Bank side, farther afield in the waters surrounding to prime diving and snorkeling spots or to the calm waters at Jerry Camp to kayak alongside stingrays and bonefish—also the prey on fishing expeditions. —Laurie Werner, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

Water shoes are a good bet, too, since the area where the sandy bottom meets the seagrass is a common spot for lurking stingrays. —Terry Ward, Outside Online, 19 Jan. 2025

Moctezuma, who was first spotted in 1992, has been seen hunting other elasmobranch species such as the Munk’s pygmy devil ray, which is 1 meter (3.2 feet) wide, bull sharks and stingrays. —Katie Hunt, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024

Head to Green Island for one of the finest spots, Cades Reef, best for spotting lobsters, eagle stingrays, and nurse sharks. —Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

stingray

noun

sting·​ray ˈstiŋ-ˌrā 

: any of numerous rays that have one or more large sharp stinging spines near the base of the whiplike tail

Medical Definition

stingray

noun

sting·​ray

ˈstiŋ-ˌrā also -rē

: any of numerous large flat cartilaginous fishes (order Rajiformes and especially family Dasyatidae) with one or more large sharp barbed dorsal spines near the base of the whiplike tail capable of inflicting severe wounds