manta ray

noun

Updated on: 12 Apr 2018

Definition of manta ray

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

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Examples of manta ray in a Sentence

the manta ray blended in beautifully with the sandy ocean floor

Recent Examples of manta ray from the Web

And finally, dive into a Great Big Story about a marine biologist who's spent her life studying manta rays.

— CNN, "CNN 10 - March 29, 2018," 28 Mar. 2018
Divers from around the world flock here to swim with massive manta rays and glide though undersea forests of brain corals, blue staghorns and orange sea whips.

— mark johanson, chicagotribune.com, "Paradise takes many forms on this Indonesian archipelago," 23 Mar. 2018
As with so many SeaWorld attractions, this one has an animal connection, in this case the manta ray, and it is called Ray Rush.

— marjie lambert, miamiherald, "From Toy Story Land to Fast & Furious: What’s opening in Florida theme parks in 2018 | Miami Herald," 1 Mar. 2018
That protection allows researchers to study manta rays in somewhat of a bubble.

— alex stuckey, Houston Chronicle, "Manta rays found at Flower Garden Banks designated a threatened species," 1 Feb. 2018
Highlights of the 500-foot slide include swirling up and down the inside of a giant, translucent sphere and a drop into an open-air halfpipe that resembles the shape of a manta ray, where rafts will move as if on the ray’s wings.

— marjie lambert, miamiherald, "From Toy Story Land to Fast & Furious: What’s opening in Florida theme parks in 2018 | Miami Herald," 1 Mar. 2018
Meant to depict the shallows of the Solomon Islands, dolphins, manta rays, and other animals swim towards the human interlopers.

— arthur levine, USA TODAY, "Go on an Ocean Odyssey in Times Square with National Geographic," 31 Jan. 2018
Kokomo, for instance, keeps a database of manta rays, turtles, and reef sharks, spotted by the staff, divers, and snorkelers.

— chaney kwak, Condé Nast Traveler, "Fiji Isn't Just for Honeymooners Anymore," 17 Jan. 2018
Fishermen auction the morning’s catch of swordfish, tuna and manta rays.

— The Economist, "Saudi Arabia and the UAE are gobbling up Yemen," 22 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'manta ray.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of manta ray

First Known Use of manta ray

1951

manta ray Synonyms

Synonyms

devilfish, manta, sea devil;

Related Words

ray, skate;

MANTA RAY Defined for Kids

manta ray

noun man·ta ray \ ˈman-tə- \

Definition of manta ray for Students

: a very large ray of warm seas that has fins that resemble wings

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See words that rhyme with manta ray Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for manta ray Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about manta ray

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manta ray

Definition of manta ray

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manta ray

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