-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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)
Examples of manta ray in a Sentence
the manta ray blended in beautifully with the sandy ocean floor
Recent Examples on the Web
Guests can snorkel and dive with whale sharks in southern waters and alongside manta rays in the north.
—Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 29 Apr. 2024
Watch for manta rays and the ancient volcano, Otemanu, along the way.
—Becca Hensley, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2024
Every May through November, giant manta rays come to feed, amassing by the hundreds, doing somersaults to catch plankton in their open mouths while snorkelers watch on in awe.
—Katie Lockhart, Robb Report, 9 May 2024
The wildlife looks fantastic—clownfish, flounder, lobsters, manta rays, sharks, squids, and other creatures come to life with great detail, color, and animations.
—PCMAG, 30 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for manta ray
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'manta ray.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1951, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to manta ray
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 7 Jul. 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
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about manta ray
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share