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 acanthus family or Sonneratia of the family Lythraceae) with growth habits like those of the true mangroves

Examples of mangrove in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some species cycle nutrients across marine ecosystems; others help sustain carbon-sequestering habitats like mangroves and seagrass beds, contributing to climate resilience. —Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

Participants will wade among mangroves and oyster beds, using nets to examine local aquatic life. —Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2025

Live Like a Local Many Floridians prioritize indoor activities during the sweltering summer months, but summer is still a nice time for a golden-hour paddle through mangrove tunnels at Weedon Island Preserve or even a clear kayak tour of Shell Key Preserve. —Skye Sherman, Travel + Leisure, 9 June 2025

Nearly a hundred were expelled into the Sundarbans, a mangrove forest between the two countries, and had to be rescued by Bangladesh’s coast guard. —Suhasini Raj, New York Times, 17 May 2025

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

Rhymes for mangrove

• alcove
• clove
• cove
• drove
• rove
• shrove
• stove
• strove
• throve
• trove
• wove

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