elephant seal

noun

: either of two very large seals (genus Mirounga of the family Phocidae) characterized by a long inflatable proboscis:
a
: one (M. angustirostris) found in Pacific coastal waters from southeastern Alaska to Baja California
b
: one (M. leonina) found in coastal waters of subantarctic islands and Patagonia

Examples of elephant seal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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For even more dramatic views, take your pick from the trails in Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, and make the 10-minute drive to the Piedras Blancas rookery to say hello to the region’s resident elephant seals. Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2025 According to the park, the video appears to show the woman throwing a rock that hits the elephant seal, and the man throwing rocks toward the seal. Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025 Earlier this month, two people were seen on a livestream throwing rocks at an elephant seal resting on the beach at the Point Reyes National Seashore. Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 25 Dec. 2025 What to know about elephant seals Northern elephant seals weigh up to 2.2 tons at full size and reach up to 13 feet in length, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said. Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 21 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elephant seal

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of elephant seal was in 1839

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Cite this Entry

“Elephant seal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elephant%20seal. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.

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