Illustration of leatherback
leatherback
noun
leath·er·back
ˈle-t͟hər-ˌbak 
: the largest existing sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) distinguished by its flexible carapace composed of a mosaic of small bones embedded in a thick leathery skin
Examples of leatherback in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Pacific leatherback populations are most at risk of extinction.
—
Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
That means sea turtle nests need to be marked before any seaweed cleanups can begin in Miami Beach, considered a crucial nesting habitat for loggerhead, green and leatherback sea turtles.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025
The Northeast corridor, home to lush forests and a nesting ground for the endangered leatherback turtle, has been one of the areas most affected by unregulated tourism.
—Josh Rivera, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
Wildlife, from endangered loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles to manatees is abundant.
—Staff Author, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2025
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Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
That means sea turtle nests need to be marked before any seaweed cleanups can begin in Miami Beach, considered a crucial nesting habitat for loggerhead, green and leatherback sea turtles.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025
The Northeast corridor, home to lush forests and a nesting ground for the endangered leatherback turtle, has been one of the areas most affected by unregulated tourism.
—Josh Rivera, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
Wildlife, from endangered loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles to manatees is abundant.
—Staff Author, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for leatherback
Cite this Entry
“Leatherback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leatherback. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
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leatherback
noun
leath·er·back
ˈlet͟h-ər-ˌbak
: the largest existing sea turtle with a shell composed of small bones embedded in a thick leathery skin
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