mangrove

noun

man·​grove ˈman-ˌgrōv 

ˈmaŋ-

1

: any of a genus (Rhizophora, especially R. mangle of the family Rhizophoraceae) of tropical maritime trees or shrubs that send out many prop roots and form dense masses important in coastal land building and as foundations of unique ecosystems

2

: any of numerous trees (as of the genera Avicennia of the acanthus family or Sonneratia of the family Lythraceae) with growth habits like those of the true mangroves

Examples of mangrove in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As the tide recedes from the Bay of Rest, mud flats lined with mangrove trees are left exposed. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2025

Some focus on fishing in the ocean or among the mangroves, others on herding zebu cattle, and still others on harvesting resources from the forest. —Ari Daniel, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025

In partnership with Leave No Trace, Martin County offers the tours for free, helping visitors discover the natural beauty of the coastline’s mangroves, estuaries, hammocks, and trails. —Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025

The new season will showcase stories revolving around Denmark’s efforts to restore coastal dead zones, India’s inspiring mangrove reforestation projects and the voices of the Achuar people of Ecuador, who share their vision for a sustainable future. —Giana Levy, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably from Portuguese mangue mangrove (from Spanish mangle, probably from Taino) + English grove

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mangrove

• alcove
• clove
• cove
• drove
• rove
• shrove
• stove
• strove
• throve
• trove
• wove

Kids Definition

mangrove

noun

man·​grove ˈman-ˌgrōv 

ˈmaŋ-

: any of various tropical trees or shrubs that grow many prop roots and form dense masses in somewhat salty marshes or shallow salt water