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hellbender
noun
hell·ben·der
ˈhel-ˌben-dər 
: a large aquatic usually brownish-gray salamander (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) of streams of the eastern and central U.S.
Examples of hellbender in a Sentence
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Anglers are the most likely Hoosiers to encounter a hellbender, and researchers encourage them to report sightings to natural resources professionals in the state, such as DNR conservation officers.
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Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 12 Nov. 2025
Since the program began in 2012, more than 2,000 hellbenders have returned to Ohio’s rivers and creeks.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 15 Oct. 2025
Wildlife officials in Ohio have announced that 116 rare and endangered eastern hellbenders were released into the state’s waterways this summer, marking an important conservation milestone for the species.
—Lauren Liebhaber, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
And where there are hellbenders, there’s cool, clean water.
—Michelle Mastro, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 June 2025
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Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 12 Nov. 2025
Since the program began in 2012, more than 2,000 hellbenders have returned to Ohio’s rivers and creeks.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 15 Oct. 2025
Wildlife officials in Ohio have announced that 116 rare and endangered eastern hellbenders were released into the state’s waterways this summer, marking an important conservation milestone for the species.
—Lauren Liebhaber, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
And where there are hellbenders, there’s cool, clean water.
—Michelle Mastro, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hellbender
Cite this Entry
“Hellbender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hellbender. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025.
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hellbender
noun
hell·ben·der
ˈhel-ˌben-dər
: a large water-dwelling salamander of streams of the eastern and central U.S.
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