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

Kayak the Thousand Islands in Cocoa Beach, or cruise down the Banana River for an eco-conscious tour through the mangroves to watch for manatees. — Marisa Spyker, Southern Living, 19 June 2026

The barrier island features a boardwalk with views of mangrove forests, plus lots of live oaks, paradise trees, and wild limes. — Ana Pelayo Connery, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2026

My personal favorites were the Rio Esquinas mangrove kayaking expedition and the rainforest hike to the property’s organic farm. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 June 2026

During a hurricane, leaf litter blown or washed out of the canopy ended up in the complex network of roots below, providing a pulse of nutrients that enhanced the production of new roots and hastened mangrove recovery. — John Kominoski, The Conversation, 10 June 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
• 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