manta ray

noun

: devil ray

especially : a ray (Manta birostris) that averages 22 feet (6.7 meters) in width with a weight reaching 3000 pounds (1361 kilograms)

Illustration of manta ray

Synonyms of manta ray

• ray
• sea devil
• manta

Examples of manta ray in a Sentence

the manta ray blended in beautifully with the sandy ocean floor

Recent Examples on the Web

Active travelers can swim with manta rays, scuba dive in the Great Astrolabe Reef, or participate in hands-on coral restoration. — Sarah Farag, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2026

Silky sharks have also been observed scraping against manta rays near Malpelo Island off Colombia. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

The island nation has the gorgeous beaches travelers are looking for, but also a warm culture, vibrant marine world and aquatic adventures such as surfing and scuba diving with manta rays. — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 24 July 2026

And hands-on conservation experiences like coral restoration and manta ray swims are available for guests of all ages, bringing everyone closer to the Great Astrolabe Reef nearby. — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 23 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for manta ray

• aaa
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

Kids Definition

manta ray

noun

man·​ta ray

ˈmant-ə-

: any of several extremely large rays that are widely distributed in warm seas and have enlarged pectoral fins resembling wings

called also devilfish, manta