leatherback

noun

leath·​er·​back ˈle-t͟hər-ˌbak 

: the largest existing sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) distinguished by its flexible carapace composed of a mosaic of small bones embedded in a thick leathery skin

Illustration of leatherback

Examples of leatherback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The team confirmed the species on July 27, when an angler who had been fishing on the beach Saturday evening emailed the aquarium a photo of a female leatherback near the shore where the nest was located. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026

His grandfather ran across great white sharks; his father, orcas; Hubbard himself has crossed paths with pilot whales, a right whale and one of the largest leatherback turtles he's ever seen. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026

California also has several state animals and plants, including the California grizzly bear, California red-legged frog, California quail and Pacific leatherback sea turtle. — Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026

Blowing Rocks Preserve On the southeastern coast about 30 minutes from West Palm Beach, Blowing Rocks Preserve is one of the best places in Florida to see green, leatherback, and loggerhead sea turtles in their natural habitat. — Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1855, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for leatherback

• almanac
• camelback
• cardiac
• carryback
• cluniac
• diamondback
• lumberjack
• maniac
• paperback
• piggyback
• quarterback
• saddleback

Kids Definition

leatherback

noun

leath·​er·​back ˈlet͟h-ər-ˌbak 

: the largest existing sea turtle with a shell composed of small bones embedded in a thick leathery skin