California sea lion
noun
: a small brown sea lion (Zalophus californianus) that occurs especially along the Pacific coast of North America from Vancouver Island to Baja California and the Gulf of California and in the Galapagos Islands and that is the seal most often trained to perform in circuses
Examples of California sea lion in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Continue above water and explore Cypress Grove Trail and Bird Island Trail to spot sea otters, harbor seals, and California sea lions on the shore.
—
Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
One by one, the four California sea lions slid out of their crates and into the ocean.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2025
And then there is Ronan, a 15-year-old California sea lion.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 1 May 2025
Ronan, a California sea lion of the Long Marine Laboratory at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
—Gennaro Tomma, New York Times, 1 May 2025
That includes 44 birds, 57 California sea lions and 14 dolphins that were actively seizing or dead on arrival.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2025
Although most of the marine mammals affected by domoic acid toxicity are California sea lions, other animals are also susceptible to its effects, according to the Marine Mammal Center.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Most of the sick and dying are adult female California sea lions.
—Stacie N. Galang, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
Hundreds of long-beaked common dolphins were seen along with a California sea lion that was being harassed by birds while trying to enjoy a meal, the post said.
—Paloma Chavez, Sacramento Bee, 24 Mar. 2025
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.
Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
One by one, the four California sea lions slid out of their crates and into the ocean.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2025
And then there is Ronan, a 15-year-old California sea lion.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 1 May 2025
Ronan, a California sea lion of the Long Marine Laboratory at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
—Gennaro Tomma, New York Times, 1 May 2025
That includes 44 birds, 57 California sea lions and 14 dolphins that were actively seizing or dead on arrival.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2025
Although most of the marine mammals affected by domoic acid toxicity are California sea lions, other animals are also susceptible to its effects, according to the Marine Mammal Center.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Most of the sick and dying are adult female California sea lions.
—Stacie N. Galang, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
Hundreds of long-beaked common dolphins were seen along with a California sea lion that was being harassed by birds while trying to enjoy a meal, the post said.
—Paloma Chavez, Sacramento Bee, 24 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“California sea lion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/California%20sea%20lion. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share