coral

noun

cor·​al ˈkȯr-əl How to pronounce coral (audio)
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 adjective

Examples of coral in a Sentence

brightly colored fishes swimming among the coral
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.
This switching ability may be tightly linked to the corals’ relationship with algae. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2025 By contrast, the corals died of bleaching within six days of exposure to commercial sunscreens. New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2025 The coral was seen growing out of the rocky bottom of the sea from a depth of about 2,200 feet, but near the region known as the deepest reaches of the ocean, the Mariana Trench. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025 Sunscreen’s skin protection is a literal lifesaver for humans, but the same can’t be said for its effects on coral. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for coral

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of coral was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coral. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

coral

noun
cor·​al ˈkȯr-əl How to pronounce coral (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on coral

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