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

Pneumatophores are exposed root structures that stick up and act like snorkels, reaching above the surface to transport oxygen to the mangrove tree’s underground roots. —Asuka Koda, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2026

Jupiter and neighboring Tequesta sit where the Loxahatchee River meets the Atlantic Ocean, marked by pristine turquoise seas and bright green mangroves. —Staff Author, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2026

To enjoy the park above the sea, try boating or kayaking among the mangroves, which protect the region’s manatees. —Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2026

West Lake Park offers three kayak trails winding through mangroves. —Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 9 Apr. 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