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

He was commonly compared to Steve Irwin, the legendary Crocodile Hunter, who was killed by a stingray in 2006. —Gabriella Rudy, NBC News, 1 Nov. 2024

World’s biggest freshwater fish, a 660-pound stingray, caught in Cambodia Human projects such as hydropower dams and sand mining have further degraded marine habitats and disrupted life for the Mekong’s more than 1,100 fish species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. —Jessie Yeung, CNN, 21 Oct. 2024

The celebration featured balloon arches, a dessert wall and a tide pool filled with stingrays, starfish and a bamboo shark. —Raven Brunner, Peoplemag, 28 July 2024

All fabrics used in the trend-forward collection, which spans denim that mimics the look and texture of stingray, velvet and corduroy to clear glass-like coated denim, use Re&Up’s recycled cotton and polyester. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 9 Sep. 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