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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An animal sanctuary in Washington reported losing 20 big cats including cougars and bobcats in late 2024 from the virus, while a harbor seal and Chilean flamingo were felled at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo in January. Karen Kucher, Mercury News, 24 Mar. 2025 Lincoln Park Zoo says harbor seal and Chilean flamingo died of avian flu Officials at Lincoln Park Zoo confirmed yesterday that a harbor seal and a Chilean flamingo each died of highly pathogenic avian flu earlier this month. Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025 The third type would highlight local wildlife beyond the harbor seals and sea lions that come on land in the area, including the creatures of local tidepools and the plants that line the coast. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025 The Seattle Aquarium is mourning the loss of Barney, the first harbor seal born at the aquarium, after he was euthanized on Friday at age 39. Axios Seattle, Axios, 17 Mar. 2025 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 21 May. 2025.

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