remora

noun

rem·​o·​ra ri-ˈmȯr-ə 

also ˈre-mə-rə

1

: any of a family (Echeneidae) of marine bony fishes that have the anterior dorsal fin modified into a suctorial disk on the head by means of which they adhere especially to other fishes

2

: hindrance, drag

Illustration of remora

• remora 1

Did you know?

Also known as shark suckers or suckerfish, remoras are long, thin, dark fishes that are distributed throughout the world in warm seas. Ancient sailors believed remoras had the power to slow or even stop a ship by attaching themselves to it; the name remora, which means "delay" in Latin, arose from this ancient superstition. The poor remora’s reputation isn’t much better today. Even though remoras don’t harm their hosts, they are popularly thought of as unwanted guests who get a free ride and a free meal by way of the efforts of others. It is therefore common to see remora used metaphorically in such contexts as "hungry paparazzi who attach themselves like remoras to celebrities."

Examples of remora in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Emily Yeager, the lead author of the study, told USA TODAY in an interview that the symbiotic relationship between remoras and their hosts had been considered either mutualistic, where both species benefit or commensal, where one benefits without affecting the other. — James Powel, USA Today, 14 May 2026

The small fish, also known as remoras, are known for attaching themselves to larger marine animals — including whales and sharks — for protection, free transportation and food. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026

In a new study, researchers documented seven cases of remoras, a fish known for suctioning itself onto rays—as well as sharks, dolphins, boats and even divers—plunging into manta rays' cloacal orifice, an opening used for pooping, peeing and mating. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 11 May 2026

To achieve this, Lamprey steals a page from fish such as lampreys and remoras, which attach themselves to larger animals either to feed or to hitch a ride while enjoying protection and scraps of food. — David Szondy february 09, New Atlas, 9 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Latin, delay, from remorari to delay, from re- + morari to delay — more at moratorium

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for remora

• aurorae
• fedora
• menorah
• minora
• pandora
• pecora
• senhora
• senora
• signora
• aura
• bora
• burra

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Kids Definition

remora

noun

rem·​o·​ra ˈrem-ə-rə 

: any of various marine fishes that have a suction disk on the top of the head by means of which they cling especially to other fishes