hellbender

noun

hell·​ben·​der ˈhel-ˌben-dər How to pronounce hellbender (audio)
: a large aquatic usually brownish-gray salamander (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) of streams of the eastern and central U.S.

Illustration of hellbender

Illustration of hellbender

Examples of hellbender in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Conservationists scooped 17 wriggling hellbenders out of their tanks in Tennessee and took them on a journey to release the largest salamanders in North America back into the wild. Olivia Lloyd, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 2025 From hellbenders and invasive plant removals to waterfall hikes and paddling adventures, there’s plenty to do this weekend and beyond for adventurous Hoosiers of all ages and experience levels. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 7 June 2024 And aside from these colossal creatures, The Wilds also plays a crucial role in North American wildlife conservation, with projects ranging from an American burying beetle breeding program to an initiative dedicated to rearing eastern hellbender salamanders. Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, the hellbender salamander can reach 29 inches long. Graham Averill, Outside Online, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hellbender

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hellbender was in 1812

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Cite this Entry

“Hellbender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hellbender. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

hellbender

noun
hell·​ben·​der ˈhel-ˌben-dər How to pronounce hellbender (audio)
: a large water-dwelling salamander of streams of the eastern and central U.S.

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