river otter

noun

: any of various Old and New World otters (especially genera Lutra and Lontra)

especially : one (Lontra canadensis) of Alaska, Canada, and the conterminous U.S. found in aquatic environments from marine coastal regions to high mountains

Examples of river otter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The big attractions are the abundance of alligators and, for the luckiest visitors, a river otter or even a bobcat — and the birds. — Deborah Green, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026

Nevada Department of Fish and Wildlife Spokesperson Kenzie Margiott told The Bee that authorities attempted to trap the river otter in Hidden Beach on Sunday afternoon but were unable to find it. — Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Wildlife department spokeswoman Margiott highlighted the rarity of river otter attacks. — Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 2 Sep. 2026

Plans for the site include nature trails, a tree canopy walk, an owl enclosure, a frog bog, a North American river otter habitat and interactive labs representing the Piedmont region. — Chase Jordan august 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for river otter

• imprimatur
• underwater
• auteur
• blotter
• cotter
• daughter
• hotter
• mater
• plotter
• rotter
• slaughter
• spotter