bearded seal

noun

: a large arctic hair seal (Erignathus barbatus) with a tuft of long whiskers on each side of the muzzle

Illustration of bearded seal

Illustration of bearded seal

Examples of bearded seal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As a result, the hooded seal is listed as endangered, and the bearded seal and harp seal are near-threatened. Nell Lewis, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2025 Head out onto the water to sail around the archipelago, keeping your eyes peeled for breaching minke whales and bearded seals, as well as shaggy muskoxen—one of the few megafauna to survive the Ice Age—and Arctic wolves patrolling the shoreline. Chloe Berge, Outside Online, 17 June 2025 According to the model, Arctic bearded seals are more efficient at retaining heat and water exchange in both Arctic and subtropical temperatures. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Dec. 2023 Alternatively, opt for the wildlife experience offered by Beaufort Sea Adventures, kayaking alongside bearded seals while immersing yourself in the rich culture of the Inuvialuit people along the shores. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for bearded seal

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bearded seal was in 1819

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bearded seal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bearded%20seal. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on bearded seal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!