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

Top 5 Can’t Miss Snorkel the reefs to see tropical fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional manta ray. — Heema Patel, Travel + Leisure, 19 Aug. 2026

The film also traces Kennedy’s redemption from a troubled past that included the Hells Angels and time in prison, while highlighting the growing threats facing manta rays and the urgency of protecting them. — Maya Santiago, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

Silky sharks have also been observed scraping against manta rays near Malpelo Island off Colombia. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

The island nation has the gorgeous beaches travelers are looking for, but also a warm culture, vibrant marine world and aquatic adventures such as surfing and scuba diving with manta rays. — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 24 July 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