manatee

noun

man·​a·​tee ˈma-nə-ˌtē How to pronounce manatee (audio)
: any of a genus (Trichechus of the family Trichechidae) of large, herbivorous, aquatic mammals that inhabit warm coastal and inland waters of the southeastern U.S., West Indies, northern South America, and West Africa and have a rounded body, a small head with a squarish snout, paddle-shaped flippers usually with vestigial nails, and a flattened, rounded tail used for propulsion

Note: Manatees are sirenians related to and resembling the dugong but differing most notably in the shape of the tail.

An aquatic relative of the elephant, manatees grow up to nine feet long and can weigh 1,000 pounds.Felicity Barringer

Illustration of manatee

Illustration of manatee

Examples of manatee in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Keep an eye out for marine life like black crabs, mangrove snapper, and manatees. Jessica Poitevien, Travel + Leisure, 4 Mar. 2024 The Florida manatee population has struggled since 2020 due to a decline in food availability along the coast of the Atlantic, the zoo said. Kate Linderman, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2024 But many credit acclaimed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau with riveting public attention on manatees. USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2024 The mother-daughter manatees were outfitted with tracking belts before their release, which will allow their rescuers to keep tabs on the animals' health and progress. Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 2 Feb. 2024 Scout for alligators, manatees and roseate spoonbills while driving along the Black Point Wildlife Drive at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, popular with birders. Terry Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Feb. 2024 With six cabins and the popularity of both manatees and swimming, snagging a cabin here can take planning. Bonnie Gross, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 Since the organization’s founding, the manatee population has grown to 8,000. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2023 Visitors can paddle the bay, where they’re all but guaranteed to spot crocodiles, manatees, and all manner of bird life. Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 1 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'manatee.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Spanish manatí, probably of Carib origin; akin to Antillean Carib manattoüi manatee

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of manatee was in 1555

Dictionary Entries Near manatee

Cite this Entry

“Manatee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manatee. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

manatee

noun
man·​a·​tee ˈman-ə-ˌtē How to pronounce manatee (audio)
: any of several chiefly tropical water-dwelling mammals that eat plants and differ from the related dugong especially in having the tail broad and rounded

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