mangrove

noun

man·​grove ˈman-ˌgrōv How to pronounce mangrove (audio)
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 vervain family or Sonneratia of the family Sonneratiaceae) with growth habits like those of the true mangroves

Examples of mangrove in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Smoke escapes from a hut in front of the mangroves of Alburquerque, on the Philippine island of Bohol. Oscar Espinosa, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Aug. 2023 For instance, the mangrove swamps of the Marismas Nacionales, where conservation efforts are underway, are a popular destination for shorebirds and waterfowl. Emily Anthes, New York Times, 29 Aug. 2023 With the creation of the Marine Biosphere Reserve these mangroves would be protected from being cut down for hotels, golf courses and other coastal development. Time, 24 Aug. 2023 Much of the shrimp production abroad occurs through farming operations that can put out high volumes of the shellfish at a very low cost, often in mangrove ecosystems. Christina Manian, Rdn, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2023 All three of the young sawfish were found near mangroves in about six inches of water, suggesting this spot was their nursery, says sawfish researcher Tonya Wiley, who tagged the creatures, to the Tampa Bay Times. Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 July 2023 Night walks, birdwatching, coral planting and coral gardening, monkey spotting, outrigger canoeing, and mangrove tours are all activities that guests can enjoy without leaving the peninsula. Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2023 Conservationists say large-scale mangrove clearings and an increase in activity by large ships have already spurred crocodile attacks on local fishermen, putting them in a bind. Richaldo Hariandja, NBC News, 8 Apr. 2023 Sir Bani Yas — with its wadis (dry riverbeds), mangroves, and Christian monastery excavation site — is the only island with overnight facilities of any sort. Anne Olivia Bauso, Travel + Leisure, 25 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mangrove.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of mangrove was in 1613

Dictionary Entries Near mangrove

Cite this Entry

“Mangrove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mangrove. Accessed 24 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

mangrove

noun
man·​grove ˈman-ˌgrōv How to pronounce mangrove (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on mangrove

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