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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
And that’s where most of the natural diversity exists, from manta rays in the north to hammerhead sharks in the south.
—Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 7 Apr. 2024
At one point, the speed boat captain spots a manta ray.
—Scott Bay, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Mar. 2024
These efforts have yielded significant discoveries related to manta ray gestation and maturity, contributing invaluable knowledge to global manta ray conservation efforts.
—Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023
The island, part of the Yum Balam Nature Reserve, is home to abundant marine life and birds, including whale sharks, flamingos, herons, dolphins, and manta rays.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2023
Ink covered their chests and arms in black patterns that looked like manta rays and birds.
—Peter Heller, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Jan. 2024
Divers in the Galápagos regularly see whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, spotted eagle rays, manta rays, sun fish, and many other marine creatures that are on divers' bucket lists.
—Karen Catchpole, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2024
Guests might see humpback whales and spinner dolphins, swim with sea turtles, and snorkel with manta rays and reef sharks.
—Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2023
Bora Bora’s marine life and coral formations are a major attraction for divers and snorkelers seeking stunning scenery below the surface, which includes eagle rays, bat rays, manta rays, leopard rays, sea turtles, a variety of sharks, and tropical fish.
—Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2024
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 20 Apr. 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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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