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 vervain family or Sonneratia of the family Sonneratiaceae) with growth habits like those of the true mangroves

Examples of mangrove in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Families who inherited the fading practice of tapping sugar from mangrove palms have found new champions in environmental advocates. —Rebecca Tan, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024

There’s plenty for nature lovers, too: Spot alligators, manatees and dolphins; meander beneath stately banyan trees; and take a kayak for a spin through the wild mangroves. —Valeriya Safronova, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2024

Tucked between the mountains and the sea, the Hakka village at Lai Chi Wo, for instance, features mature woodlands, freshwater streams, agricultural wetlands, mud flats and mangroves. —Rebecca Cairns, CNN, 12 Feb. 2024

The local park scene boasts sunny beaches, exotic rainforests, modern art, lush mangroves, water sports, and even intense domino games. —Miami Staff, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024

By early afternoon a tangle of cables covered the yard like mangrove roots. —Franz Lidz Meghan Dhaliwal, New York Times, 23 Dec. 2023

The resort has a conservation and sustainability program, with two biologists on site, to help protect the surrounding mangroves, sea turtles and other local plants and wildlife, as well as to manage sustainability practices on the property. —Ingrid Schmidt, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Mar. 2024

With its pristine white sand beach, the Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an ultra-luxury all-inclusive resort set on 206 acres of lush jungle and mangroves. —Roger Sands, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024

Cocoa Beach has Thousand Islands Conservation Area, which is full of mangroves, manatees, and dolphins for those who love to paddle and explore nature. —Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 28 Feb. 2024

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

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