Illustration of leatherback
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
Examples of leatherback in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
North Carolina’s beaches are a nesting ground for multiple species of threatened or endangered sea turtles, including loggerheads, greens, Kemp’s ridleys, leatherbacks and hawksbills, federal officials say.
—
Mark Price,
Charlotte Observer,
1 June 2026
During turtle nesting season, visitors may join Fundação Príncipe’s conservation team to observe green, olive ridley, hawksbill and leatherback turtles laying eggs on Praia Grande—an experience supported by the resort’s protective measures, including turtle-safe lighting.
—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2026
The northeast corridor, home to lush forests and a nesting ground for the endangered leatherback turtle, has been one of the areas most affected by unregulated tourism.
—
Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for leatherback
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Elizabeth Rhodes,
Travel + Leisure,
23 June 2026
North Carolina’s beaches are a nesting ground for multiple species of threatened or endangered sea turtles, including loggerheads, greens, Kemp’s ridleys, leatherbacks and hawksbills, federal officials say.
—
Mark Price,
Charlotte Observer,
1 June 2026
During turtle nesting season, visitors may join Fundação Príncipe’s conservation team to observe green, olive ridley, hawksbill and leatherback turtles laying eggs on Praia Grande—an experience supported by the resort’s protective measures, including turtle-safe lighting.
—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2026
The northeast corridor, home to lush forests and a nesting ground for the endangered leatherback turtle, has been one of the areas most affected by unregulated tourism.
—
Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for leatherback
Cite this Entry
“Leatherback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leatherback. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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