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

From the pigment that lets squid and octopuses shift color for camouflage to the chemical compounds produced by corals and their microbial partners, these molecular signals help organisms survive and adapt. —David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026

But beyond this, a duo of continuously expanding organic gardens growing herbs and vegetables produce an array of ingredients used across the resort, and a dedicated marine conservation program works to grow and protect the corals on the house reef. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026

Reef restoration makes economic sense But this study is more than just another entrant into the steady drumbeat of doom-and-gloom predictions about the future of Florida’s corals, Storlazzi said. —Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2026

If approved, federal scientists and local conservation groups warn the construction could cause unprecedented damage to corals within the channel and beyond. —Teresa Tomassoni, Sun Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2026

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

Rhymes for coral

• aural
• chloral
• choral
• floral
• forel
• lauryl
• loral
• moral
• quarrel
• sorel
• sorrel
• toral

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