coral

noun

cor·​al ˈkȯr-əl 

ˈkär-

1

a

: the calcareous or horny skeletal deposit produced by anthozoan or rarely hydrozoan polyps

especially : a richly red precious coral secreted by a gorgonian (genus Corallium)

b

: a polyp or polyp colony together with its membranes and skeleton

2

: a piece of coral and especially of red coral

3

a

: a bright reddish ovary (as of a lobster or scallop)

b

: a deep pink

coral adjective

coralloid

ˈkȯr-ə-ˌlȯid 

ˈkär-

adjective

Examples of coral in a Sentence

brightly colored fishes swimming among the coral

Recent Examples on the Web

Hailing from Guatemala, Hazel moved to the island in early 2023 to begin regenerating coral around the island. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026

Think softer citrus tones, cheerful corals, butter yellows, and vibrant pinks and greens—anything that feels particularly sunny or energetic. —Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 28 May 2026

In the wild, corals release eggs and sperm into the sea during mass spawning events, but rising temperatures are disrupting these delicate cycles. —Simmone Shah, Time, 28 May 2026

With the backing and support of fashion brand Kiton, a three-minute video guides visitors through the artistry of precious coral and cameo jewelry through the eyes of models wearing coral and cameo jewelry. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 27 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin corallium, from Greek korallion

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing coral

• brain coral
• coral bells
• coral reef
• coral snake
• elkhorn coral
• fire coral
• red coral
• staghorn coral

Rhymes for coral

• aural
• chloral
• choral
• floral
• forel
• lauryl
• loral
• moral
• quarrel
• sorel
• sorrel
• toral

Kids Definition

coral

noun

cor·​al ˈkȯr-əl 

ˈkär-

1

a

: the stony or horny deposit that is composed of the skeletons of various polyps

especially : a richly red coral used in jewelry

b

: a polyp or polyp colony together with its membranes and skeleton

2

: a deep pink

coral adjective