1
: a submerged long-leaved monocotyledonous marine plant (Zostera marina) that is found especially in coastal temperate waters and whose dried stems and leaves are used especially as packing material in woven goods
2

Examples of eelgrass 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.
For example, eelgrass and other seagrasses are flowering plants that evolved from land-dwelling ancestors and later adapted to life underwater. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026 The hope is that the entire pond has eelgrass within the next five to ten years. — Jacob Wycoff, CBS News, 8 Aug. 2026 California’s Morro Bay lost more than 95% of its eelgrass coverage between 2007 and 2017, dropping from almost 345 acres to less than 15 acres. — Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 Researchers are applying this genetic approach to eelgrass in Southern California and redwoods in the north, seeking climate-resilient species to restore ecosystems threatened by warming waters and devastating wildfires. — Annika Hammerschlag, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for eelgrass

Word History

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of eelgrass was in 1790

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Cite this Entry

“Eelgrass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eelgrass. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

: a saltwater plant that is a monocotyledon and has long ribbonlike leaves

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