harbor seal

noun

: a small hair seal (Phoca vitulina) of oceanic coasts in the northern hemisphere that often ascends rivers

Examples of harbor seal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This pod feeds on sea mammals - unlike the endangered salmon-eating resident orcas - and there are plenty of harbor seals, sea lions and porpoises in the Salish Sea. CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026 In some sea caves, harbor seals rest in the quiet shade. Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 23 Mar. 2026 The aquarium houses two families of harbor seals in its exhibit, according to the website, with each seal having a distinct feature and personality. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 23 Feb. 2026 Point Lobos also hosts a resident population of harbor seals and sea lions, and gets occasional visits from elephant seals. Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for harbor seal

Word History

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of harbor seal was in 1766

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Cite this Entry

“Harbor seal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/harbor%20seal. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.

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