mangrove

noun

man·​grove ˈman-ˌgrōv 

ˈmaŋ-

1

: any of a genus (Rhizophora, especially R. mangle of the family Rhizophoraceae) of tropical maritime trees or shrubs that send out many prop roots and form dense masses important in coastal land building and as foundations of unique ecosystems

2

: any of numerous trees (as of the genera Avicennia of the vervain family or Sonneratia of the family Sonneratiaceae) with growth habits like those of the true mangroves

Examples of mangrove in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Creating that descending feeling is the three-mile road to the resort surrounded by verdant mangroves bustling with wildlife. —Dobrina Zhekova, Robb Report, 21 May 2024

The menu includes items like crab croquettes with Ecuadorian mangrove crab meat served with sweet and spicy plantain and red pepper aioli and the traditional dish chopsué, which involves crab meat served with white or toasted rice served with fried plantains. —Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 14 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably from Portuguese mangue mangrove (from Spanish mangle, probably from Taino) + English grove

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

mangrove

noun

man·​grove ˈman-ˌgrōv 

ˈmaŋ-

: any of various tropical trees or shrubs that grow many prop roots and form dense masses in somewhat salty marshes or shallow salt water