aquatic

adjective aquat·ic \ ə-ˈkwä-tik , -ˈkwa- \

Definition of aquatic

1 :growing or living in or frequenting water

aquatic mosquito larvae

2 :taking place in or on water

aquatic sports

—

aquatically

play \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See aquatic defined for English-language learners

See aquatic defined for kids

Examples of aquatic in a Sentence

a lifelong fascination with sharks and other fearsome aquatic creatures

Recent Examples of aquatic from the Web

Here, a half-million gallons of seawater pumped in from the ocean support a galaxy of aquatic life, from mahi-mahi and devil rays to hammerhead and tiger sharks that loop around the circular pool.

— alastair gordon, miamiherald, "Ambitious Frost Museum design is imperfect. So is role of science in post-fact era," 19 Aug. 2017
The top businesses will be judged at the city’s aquatic center.

— allison sampite-montecalvo, sandiegouniontribune.com, "N.C. chamber creates challenge for business owners," 3 Aug. 2017
In aquatic environments, once something is covered by about 8 inches of sediment, it is effectively sealed away from oxygen.

— ben raines | braines@al.com, AL.com, "Reddit users pose 600 questions about the Underwater Forest," 28 July 2017
The citations against MSD for killing aquatic life and not meeting discharge standards could start in the six-figure range, Goodmann said.

— james bruggers, The Courier-Journal, "Ford Co., MSD face fines after chemical kills hundreds of fish," 24 July 2017
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Not everyone gets a medal at the world aquatic championships.

— paul newberry, The Seattle Times, "Medals all around! Plenty of gold, silver, bronze at worlds," 19 July 2017
Interactive exhibits in other rooms provided lessons on energy, gravity, magnetism, robotics, electronics and aquatic life.

— jim barnes, Washington Post, "Northern Virginia’s Children’s Science Center finds permanent home in Loudoun," 10 July 2017
Some aquatic microsaurs only possess three fingers and the possible absence of hindlimbs has even been implied for one group (Odonterpetontidae or Odonterpetidae).

— darren naish, Scientific American Blog Network, "The Microsaurs of Yore," 7 July 2017
During that process, pollutants seep into both the water and air, killing aquatic life and making water unsafe to drink in some cases.

— kaleigh fasanella, Teen Vogue, "New Report Reveals Fast-Fashion Retailers Like H&M and Zara Are Linked to Devastating Pollution," 6 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aquatic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of aquatic

see aqua

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1610

See Words from the same year

aquatic Synonyms

Synonyms

underwater, submarine, submerged, sunken

Related Words

oceanic; undersea; abysmal, abyssal, deep, deep-sea, deepwater

Other Ecology Terms

Malthusian, anthropogenic, biomass, carbon footprint, crepuscular, niche, sere, symbiosis, taiga, tundra

aquatic

noun

Definition of aquatic

1 :an aquatic animal or plant

2 aquatics plural in form but singular or plural in construction :water sports

Recent Examples of aquatic from the Web

But Paris still needs to build an aquatics center close to the Stade de France, a media center and the Olympic Village.

— USA TODAY, "Paris open to esports on 2024 Olympic program," 8 Aug. 2017
A master plan for the property that the city adopted in 2009 outlined a variety of recreational, residential and commercial uses, with civic buildings, hotels, an aquatics center, hiking trails and natural habitat.

— phil diehl, sandiegouniontribune.com, "El Corazon sports complex gains momentum," 2 Aug. 2017
Paris’ bid does come with a $2 billion price tag to build an Olympic Village and an aquatics center.

— chris chavez, SI.com, "Report: Los Angeles Reaches Agreement to Host 2028 Olympics," 31 July 2017
On a recent foggy morning at the aquatics center in San Clemente — an upscale Southern California city dotted with stately homes, many with ocean views — Sanden discarded her cane from time to time while walking gingerly around a sprawling pool.

— john rogers, The Seattle Times, "Endurance athlete overcomes paralysis to race, coach again," 21 July 2017
On a recent foggy morning at the aquatics center in San Clemente — an upscale Southern California city dotted with stately homes, many with ocean views — Sanden discarded her cane from time to time while walking gingerly around a sprawling pool.

— Washington Post, "Endurance athlete overcomes paralysis to race, coach again," 21 July 2017
So are the dive towers, aquatics center Manager Laura Voet said.

— brittany wallman, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Six major changes coming to Fort Lauderdale beach," 20 July 2017
County Councilwoman Mary Lehman is once again hosting the District 1 Community Family day at Fairland Regional Park, adjacent to the aquatic and fitness center, 13950 Gunpowder Road.

— Laurel Leader, "Bidding adieu to Father Jack Kennealy draws crowd [Montpelier/South Laurel]," 13 July 2017
The city of Huntsville opened its new $22 million aquatics center this weekend, which is much more than a big pool with lots of water.

— paul gattis, AL.com, "Huntsville's new aquatics center: 8 things you need to know," 8 July 2017