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

• devilfish
• manta
• sea devil

Examples of manta ray in a Sentence

the manta ray blended in beautifully with the sandy ocean floor

Recent Examples on the Web

Snorkelers of all ages led by experienced swimmers and divers are welcomed into the water at dusk, accompanied by large lights that attract plankton, thus pulling manta rays up close to feed. —Kait Hanson, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2024

These cranial ornamentations range from sea creatures like manta rays to alliums like onions and garlic to pets like French bulldogs and Shiba Inus. —Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 8 July 2024

Guests can snorkel and dive with whale sharks in southern waters and alongside manta rays in the north. —Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 29 Apr. 2024

Watch for manta rays and the ancient volcano, Otemanu, along the way. —Becca Hensley, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

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