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

Their name comes from the unique protrusions on their back that resemble horns and serve as a defense mechanism against predators including other sharks, elephant seals and some large fish. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025

Along its dramatic fjords and towering glaciers, visitors can encounter colossal marine creatures like the southern elephant seal as well as other pinnipeds spanning from the South American fur seal to the Patagonian sea lion. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

Glittering black-sand beaches are littered with sea lions and elephant seals, while a lucky few might spot a roaming black bear or elk, creatures that are also enjoying the stillness. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2025

Bring Your…Telephoto Lens Your chance for cool wildlife photography is off the charts on the Lost Coast Trail, from deer grazing the grasslands to black bear and the aforementioned elephant seals. —Graham Averill, Outside Online, 30 May 2025

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