stingray

noun

sting·​ray ˈstiŋ-ˌrā How to pronounce stingray (audio)
: 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

Illustration of stingray

Examples of stingray in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Spend your days tanning on the beach, or get active hiking trails with panoramic views, riding buggies through rolling hills, whale watching or swimming with stingrays at Stingray City. Danielle Pointdujour, Essence, 13 Mar. 2025 Many of the sharks in this area are juveniles and haven’t yet fully developed the ability to distinguish between humans and their natural prey, which includes fish, stingrays and other sharks. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 13 Feb. 2025 Many of the sharks in this area are juveniles and fail to distinguish between humans and their prey, which includes fish, stingrays and other sharks, according to the statement. Katie Hunt, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025 The only Minnesota location, SeaQuest Roseville, is currently home to animals including sea-dwelling fish, fresh water fish, stingrays, a Giant Pacific Octopus, a sloth, an otter, a Goldenchild Cow reticulated python and several birds, according to court documents. Mars King, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stingray

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stingray was in 1624

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Cite this Entry

“Stingray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stingray. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

stingray

noun
sting·​ray ˈstiŋ-ˌrā How to pronounce stingray (audio)
: 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

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