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

Illustration of manta ray

Examples of manta ray in a Sentence

the manta ray blended in beautifully with the sandy ocean floor
Recent Examples on the Web Ink covered their chests and arms in black patterns that looked like manta rays and birds. Peter Heller, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Jan. 2024 Divers in the Galápagos regularly see whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, spotted eagle rays, manta rays, sun fish, and many other marine creatures that are on divers' bucket lists. Karen Catchpole, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2024 Guests might see humpback whales and spinner dolphins, swim with sea turtles, and snorkel with manta rays and reef sharks. Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2023 Bora Bora’s marine life and coral formations are a major attraction for divers and snorkelers seeking stunning scenery below the surface, which includes eagle rays, bat rays, manta rays, leopard rays, sea turtles, a variety of sharks, and tropical fish. Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2024 Home to a wealth of biodiversity from native sea bird species and fish to sea turtles, manta rays, and dolphins, the national park is closed Sundays and Mondays and there are a limited number of daily visitors, so plan accordingly. Rebekah Peppler, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Dec. 2023 The cave and surrounding extensions of reefs hold incredible wildlife, including tropical fish, manta rays, and even an occasional shark. Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2023 The forthcoming opening of Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira—featuring sea views from the private island sanctuary’s 40 pool villas; snorkeling with manta rays; and a spa from the award-winning brand—will follow (official opening date to be announced). Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Nov. 2023 Colorful fish and small reef-sharks school in the shallows, while manta rays and turtles can be seen from jetties and swimming beneath the villas. Tom Weijand, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'manta ray.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of manta ray was in 1951

Dictionary Entries Near manta ray

Cite this Entry

“Manta ray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manta%20ray. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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

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