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

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, 25 May 2026

Another Antarctic species -- the Southern elephant seal -- is also now at risk of extinction due to bird flu, moving from least concern to vulnerable, according to researchers. —ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026

In addition to the elephant seals, two California sea lions and one southern sea otter have tested positive in San Mateo County. —Tim Fang, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026

For instance, one study from the 1970s demonstrated that this kind of lifestyle, merely chowing down on fish, allows for enough hydration that elephant seal pups don’t even need a sip of fresh water to stay healthy. —Sara Kiley Watson, Popular Science, 18 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for elephant seal

• automobile
• periosteal
• peritoneal
• abele
• alkyl
• anneal
• appeal
• cartwheel
• conceal
• congeal
• coquille
• corneal