Illustration of manatee
manatee
noun
man·a·tee
ˈma-nə-ˌtē 
: any of a genus (Trichechus of the family Trichechidae) of large, herbivorous, aquatic mammals that inhabit warm coastal and inland waters of the southeastern U.S., West Indies, northern South America, and West Africa and have a rounded body, a small head with a squarish snout, paddle-shaped flippers usually with vestigial nails, and a flattened, rounded tail used for propulsion
Note: Manatees are sirenians related to and resembling the dugong but differing most notably in the shape of the tail.
An aquatic relative of the elephant, manatees grow up to nine feet long and can weigh 1,000 pounds.—
Felicity Barringer
Felicity Barringer
Examples of manatee in a Sentence
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The area is known for its wetlands — which are crucial to the state's irrigation and drinking water systems — and wildlife, with hundreds of species of birds as well as creatures like alligators, crocodiles, panthers and manatees.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 24 June 2025
Crystal River Gentle manatees and some of the best paddling in the state—in and around the state’s clearest springs—make Crystal River a true gem on Florida’s Nature Coast.
—Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 14 June 2025
When visitors arrive, they’re often greeted by those manatees.
—Ragan Whitlock, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025
An environmental group Friday filed a formal notice that is a step toward suing the federal government over protecting manatees in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.
—News Service Of Florida, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2025
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Rachel Treisman, NPR, 24 June 2025
Crystal River Gentle manatees and some of the best paddling in the state—in and around the state’s clearest springs—make Crystal River a true gem on Florida’s Nature Coast.
—Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 14 June 2025
When visitors arrive, they’re often greeted by those manatees.
—Ragan Whitlock, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025
An environmental group Friday filed a formal notice that is a step toward suing the federal government over protecting manatees in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.
—News Service Of Florida, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for manatee
Cite this Entry
“Manatee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manatee. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
manatee
noun
man·a·tee
ˈman-ə-ˌtē
: any of several chiefly tropical water-dwelling mammals that eat plants and differ from the related dugong especially in having the tail broad and rounded
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