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

Go snorkeling with manta rays and angelfish on the Mesoamerican Reef (the world’s second largest). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026

Tiny, microscopic plankton grow, feeding larger plankton that are eaten by many species, including fish and manta rays. — Lauren Sommer, NPR, 13 Oct. 2026

This year, Chinese researchers unveiled a robotic manta ray powered by muscle taken from a frog and steered with light. — New Atlas, 3 Oct. 2026

Nusa Lembongan, the neighboring island connected by the landmark 450-foot-long Yellow Bridge, is where scuba divers seek encounters with manta rays and whales, and snorkeling enthusiasts can spend hours floating above vibrant coral reefs. — Norm Bour, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 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