manta ray

noun

: devil ray

especially : a ray (Manta birostris) that averages 22 feet (6.7 meters) in width with a weight reaching 3000 pounds (1361 kilograms)

Illustration of manta ray

Synonyms of manta ray

• ray
• sea devil
• manta

Examples of manta ray in a Sentence

the manta ray blended in beautifully with the sandy ocean floor

Recent Examples on the Web

All the most gasp-inspiring moments of visual awe — such as Moana soaring across the sea as a manta ray spirit swims underneath her — are just a little stronger, a little bolder and brighter, in their original art form. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 8 July 2026

Residents at the nearby Points of America condo building recall how their ocean views included manta rays, dolphins and unobscured sun rises over the Atlantic. — Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026

Swimming alongside oceanic manta rays and watching dolphins race beside the boat left a lasting impression, but so did the lifestyle itself. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026

After dark, visitors may even spot manta rays gliding through the water. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for manta ray

• aaa
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

Kids Definition

manta ray

noun

man·​ta ray

ˈmant-ə-

: any of several extremely large rays that are widely distributed in warm seas and have enlarged pectoral fins resembling wings

called also devilfish, manta