mangrove

noun

man·​grove ˈman-ˌgrōv 

ˈmaŋ-

1

: any of a genus (Rhizophora, especially R. mangle of the family Rhizophoraceae) of tropical maritime trees or shrubs that send out many prop roots and form dense masses important in coastal land building and as foundations of unique ecosystems

2

: any of numerous trees (as of the genera Avicennia of the acanthus family or Sonneratia of the family Lythraceae) with growth habits like those of the true mangroves

Examples of mangrove in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rising water levels and increasing salinity now threaten both the mangroves and this cultural heritage, reminding us how deeply our well-being is connected to the health of our shared environment. —New Atlas, 29 Mar. 2026

Deputies say Gonzalez was in possession of eight mangrove snapper, seven of which were undersized. —CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026

Those benefits are not lost on people in Cambodia, many of whom have devoted their careers to protecting and restoring mangroves. —Ryan Kellman, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026

The park is a remarkable collection of bays, estuaries, beaches, mangroves, and huge caves with ancient Taino paintings on their walls. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably from Portuguese mangue mangrove (from Spanish mangle, probably from Taino) + English grove

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mangrove

• alcove
• clove
• cove
• drove
• rove
• shrove
• stove
• strove
• throve
• trove
• wove

Kids Definition

mangrove

noun

man·​grove ˈman-ˌgrōv 

ˈmaŋ-

: any of various tropical trees or shrubs that grow many prop roots and form dense masses in somewhat salty marshes or shallow salt water