sea turtle

noun

: any of two families (Cheloniidae and Dermochelyidae) of widely distributed marine turtles that have the feet modified into paddles and that include the green turtle, leatherback, hawksbill, loggerhead, and ridley

Examples of sea turtle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Wildlife in the ocean, from sea turtles to whales, often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to ingestion that can block digestive tracts or cause starvation. David Carlin, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 Most of those are Kemp’s ridleys, the world’s smallest sea turtle species, which is critically endangered. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Dec. 2024 These turtles need some warmth The frigid Northeast temperatures of the last several days have accelerated the arrival of sea turtles afflicted with life-threatening hypothermia at Cape Cod beaches, requiring more than 250 of them to be rescued so far. Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 2024 Despite its serene appeal, the area is also home to a diverse ecosystem, including occasional visits from wildlife such as sea turtles and, as Noémie and Robin discovered, even saltwater crocodiles. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sea turtle 

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sea turtle was in 1612

Dictionary Entries Near sea turtle

Cite this Entry

“Sea turtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sea%20turtle. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

sea turtle

noun
: any of various large marine turtles (as the green turtle or the loggerhead) that have paddle-shaped feet to aid in swimming

More from Merriam-Webster on sea turtle

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