manta ray

noun

: devil ray

especially : a ray (Manta birostris) that averages 22 feet (6.7 meters) in width with a weight reaching 3000 pounds (1361 kilograms)

Illustration of manta ray

Synonyms of manta ray

• ray
• sea devil
• manta

Examples of manta ray in a Sentence

the manta ray blended in beautifully with the sandy ocean floor

Recent Examples on the Web

In a new study, researchers documented seven cases of remoras, a fish known for suctioning itself onto rays—as well as sharks, dolphins, boats and even divers—plunging into manta rays' cloacal orifice, an opening used for pooping, peeing and mating. —Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 11 May 2026

SeaWorld’s sister park in Orlando, Florida, already hosts a nighttime drone show that features undulating manta rays, paddling sea turtles and hovering octopuses. —Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 1 May 2026

The living room is decorated with a manta ray sculpture on the wall. —Ann Lee, TheWeek, 30 Apr. 2026

Expect to see surgeonfish, blue tang, moorish idols, plus whale shark and manta rays in the May-September rainy season. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for manta ray

• aaa
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

Kids Definition

manta ray

noun

man·​ta ray

ˈmant-ə-

: any of several extremely large rays that are widely distributed in warm seas and have enlarged pectoral fins resembling wings

called also devilfish, manta