: 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

Illustration of stingray

Examples of stingray in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The waters off Staniel Cay hold coral reefs and shipwrecks, and are home to a range of wildlife including sea turtles, stingrays and sharks. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 24 June 2026 In this stingray photo, the sand and gravel appear more distinct and defined in the high-resolution shot—even the blue spots look a tinge punchier. Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 29 June 2026 For Thursday’s match, Stubbs the stingray predicted that the Netherlands would be taking home the win over Tunisia. Zuri Primos, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026 Be sure to visit the Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab to feed and touch stingrays. Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stingray

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stingray was in 1624

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Cite this Entry

“Stingray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stingray. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

: 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

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