stingray

noun

sting·​ray ˈstiŋ-ˌrā 

: any of numerous rays (as of the family Dasyatidae) with one or more large sharp barbed dorsal spines near the base of the whiplike tail capable of inflicting severe wounds

Illustration of stingray

Examples of stingray in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The small crabs and shrimp in the sargassum, which attract sea turtles and mahi mahi offshore, also can attract stingrays inshore. —Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 12 June 2026

Conservationists at Shark Trust in Plymouth, England, have specialized in the safeguarding of sharks and stingrays since 1997. —Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 9 June 2026

Or join a snorkeling session at one of the artificial reefs that are home to colorful fish, sea turtles, and stingrays, among other animals. —Daria Bachmann, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026

The 22-year-old son of The Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, was just 2 when his father was killed by a stingray. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 12 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stingray

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• assez
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway

Kids Definition

stingray

noun

sting·​ray ˈstiŋ-ˌrā 

: any of numerous rays that have one or more large sharp stinging spines near the base of the whiplike tail

Medical Definition

stingray

noun

sting·​ray

ˈstiŋ-ˌrā also -rē

: any of numerous large flat cartilaginous fishes (order Myliobatiformes and especially family Dasyatidae) with one or more large sharp barbed dorsal spines near the base of the whiplike tail capable of inflicting severe wounds