elephant seal

noun

: either of two very large seals (genus Mirounga of the family Phocidae) characterized by a long inflatable proboscis:

a

: one (M. angustirostris) found in Pacific coastal waters from southeastern Alaska to Baja California

b

: one (M. leonina) found in coastal waters of subantarctic islands and Patagonia

Examples of elephant seal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Last year, around 13,000 of a population of 17,000 elephant seal pups died there in just a few months after being exposed. — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2026

The southern elephant seal pup mortality was estimated to be 76% across a population of 17,000 seal pups born on the islands, the program said. — Kathleen Magramo, CNN Money, 19 June 2026

Currently, there are 23 California sea lions, 20 northern elephant seals, and two Pacific harbor seals in care. — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 8 June 2026

For even more dramatic views, take your pick from the trails in Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, and make the 10-minute drive to the Piedras Blancas rookery to say hello to the region’s resident elephant seals. — Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for elephant seal

• automobile
• periosteal
• peritoneal
• abele
• alkyl
• anneal
• appeal
• cartwheel
• conceal
• congeal
• coquille
• corneal