coral

noun

cor·​al ˈkȯr-əl 

ˈkär-

1

a

: the calcareous or horny skeletal deposit produced by anthozoan or rarely hydrozoan polyps

especially : a richly red precious coral secreted by a gorgonian (genus Corallium)

b

: a polyp or polyp colony together with its membranes and skeleton

2

: a piece of coral and especially of red coral

3

a

: a bright reddish ovary (as of a lobster or scallop)

b

: a deep pink

coral adjective

coralloid

ˈkȯr-ə-ˌlȯid 

ˈkär-

adjective

Examples of coral in a Sentence

brightly colored fishes swimming among the coral

Recent Examples on the Web

Typically, a successful scuba trip needs good visibility for spotting wildlife and coral. —James Barrett, Travel + Leisure, 6 Sep. 2024

The gin-clear and calm water is teeming with a remarkable variety of corals and colorful marine life. —David Escribano, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2024

While all the neutrals are available, the standouts are the more unusual options, including apple green, blush pink, vibrant coral, and rich olive. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 12 Aug. 2024

The island’s nursery corals experienced bleaching as well, but 100% survived. —Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 11 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin corallium, from Greek korallion

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing coral

• brain coral
• coral bells
• coral reef
• coral snake
• elkhorn coral
• fire coral
• red coral
• staghorn coral

Kids Definition

coral

noun

cor·​al ˈkȯr-əl 

ˈkär-

1

a

: the stony or horny deposit that is composed of the skeletons of various polyps

especially : a richly red coral used in jewelry

b

: a polyp or polyp colony together with its membranes and skeleton

2

: a deep pink

coral adjective