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

Luxurious accommodations include 182 guestrooms, suites and villas are tucked discreetly across 60 acres of mangroves and freshwater canals, balancing seclusion with a strong sense of rooted place. —Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

For daily two-tank dives on the reef, base at Paradise Taveuni or Fiji’s first PADI Eco Center, Sau Bay Resort & Spa, where mangrove and coral planting can be incorporated into your stay. —Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 11 Sep. 2025

Expect flocks of vibrant flamingos and tiny flitting hummingbirds spreading their wings over the turquoise waters and tangles of mangroves that unfold across lagoons that stretch parallel to the sea. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025

More than just sand and sea, the area also has a mangrove lagoon, boat launch, playground, picnic areas, boardwalk, and a campground (temporarily closed; check here before going). —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025

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