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
Examples of coral in a Sentence
brightly colored fishes swimming among the coral
Recent Examples on the Web
Florida’s corals were hit hard in 2023 because of unprecedented heat—the Florida Keys experienced 100 percent coral bleaching.
—
Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
The film spotlights the growing community of champions—the true Guardians of the Galapagos—who work to protect the islands, supporting environmental campaigns, cleaning beaches, restoring corals and helping local children experience this magical place.
—Devonne Goode, Parents, 22 Apr. 2025
Even geologically, the island is different: While the volcanic islands like Tortola and Virgin Gorda tower with craggy cliffs that plunge dramatically into the sea, Anegada is famously flat, little more than crumbles of coral emerging from crystal-clear waves.
—Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2025
Snorkeling and diving trips run year-round, with a chance to spot over 500 species of coral and more than 1,000 species of fish — from bright clownfish and angelfish to sea turtles and reef sharks.
—Livia Hengel, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coral
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Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
The film spotlights the growing community of champions—the true Guardians of the Galapagos—who work to protect the islands, supporting environmental campaigns, cleaning beaches, restoring corals and helping local children experience this magical place.
—Devonne Goode, Parents, 22 Apr. 2025
Even geologically, the island is different: While the volcanic islands like Tortola and Virgin Gorda tower with craggy cliffs that plunge dramatically into the sea, Anegada is famously flat, little more than crumbles of coral emerging from crystal-clear waves.
—Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2025
Snorkeling and diving trips run year-round, with a chance to spot over 500 species of coral and more than 1,000 species of fish — from bright clownfish and angelfish to sea turtles and reef sharks.
—Livia Hengel, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coral
Cite this Entry
“Coral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coral. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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