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

On the smaller side, species like the river otter and mink can be found feasting on fish by the water’s edge, while lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of a wolverine roaming the tundra—and these are far from the only predators that call Katmai home. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

Particularly the busy latrine of a North American river otter (Lontra canadensis). —Laura Baisas Aug 14, Popular Science, 14 Aug. 2025

Orlando Sentinel Person bitten by river otter in Seminole County, FWC says A person was reportedly bitten by a river otter in Seminole County, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. —Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025

Kai, a 9-year-old North American river otter living at the Sacramento Zoo, was found dead in her habitat Monday morning, according to zoo officials. —Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for river otter

• annunciator
• imprimatur
• underwater
• backwater
• bathwater
• blackwater
• breakwater
• deepwater
• edgewater
• feedwater
• floodwater
• freshwater