giant kelp

noun

plural giant kelps

: a very large, fast-growing brown alga (Macrocystis pyrifera) of cool oceans that often grows in dense patches, may reach a length of 150 feet (45 meters), and has long stipes from which arise leaflike blades with gas-filled air bladders at their base

… giant kelp, the majestic floating seaweed species common to Monterey Bay …

—Peter Fimrite

Gliding through the frigid waters, I marveled at how the light filtered down through the healthy forests of giant kelp—a humongous species of brown algae …

—Ashley Harrell

Giant kelps bent to the seafloor from the weight of the mussels growing on them.

—Enric Sala

called also bladder kelp, giant bladder kelp

Examples of giant kelp in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Scripps scientists are also working to gather and preserve giant kelp embryos and genetic material as kelp forests rapidly decline along the California coast. —Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026

Some varieties have dense, meaty consistencies, like the North Pacific giant kelp, which is turned into lasagna noodles at the Eternal Abundance Organic Market & Eatery in Vancouver. —Megan Zhang, Saveur, 8 Apr. 2026

All the better for a secluded adventure along misty beaches peppered with sea stacks and giant kelp. —Madison Chapman, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026

Divers and snorkelers weave through forests of giant kelp towers, encountering famously playful sea lions, neon fish, and even historic shipwrecks. —Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 19 Feb. 2026

Upon arrival at Santa Cruz Island, the guides provide all that’s needed to explore sea caves by kayak, plus the extraordinary opportunity to snorkel through the giant kelp forests. —AFAR Media, 24 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for giant kelp

• help
• skelp
• whelp
• yelp