sea turtle

noun

: any of two families (Cheloniidae and Dermochelyidae) of widely distributed marine turtles that have the feet modified into paddles and that include the green turtle, leatherback, hawksbill, loggerhead, and ridley

Examples of sea turtle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Under a blazing sun, the green sea turtle thwapped the surface of the San Gabriel River with her sole front flipper as aquarium staffers gripped her shell. —Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026

Seabirds dive shallow waters inhabited by fish and sea turtles. —Ryan Ballogg updated February 26, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026

Visitors can explore an underwater world that includes an ocean tunnel, sea turtle rescue center, an interactive touch pool, jellyfish, colorful tropical fish, seahorse displays and more. —Alyson Rodriguez, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026

Just offshore, divers and snorkelers can check out the beautiful coral reefs and view tropical fish and sea turtles. —Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sea turtle

• fertile
• hurtle
• kirtle
• myrtle
• infertile

Kids Definition

sea turtle

noun

: any of various large marine turtles (as the green turtle or the loggerhead) that have paddle-shaped feet to aid in swimming