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

An olive ridley sea turtle hatchling (Lepidochelys olivacea) is being escorted to the sea by locals who protected her nest. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2026

The striking photo was taken along India's west coast where locals give sea turtle hatchlings (Lepidochelys olivacea) a fighting chance by escorting them from their nests to the water. — New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026

Top 5 Can’t Miss Snorkel the reefs to see tropical fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional manta ray. — Heema Patel, Travel + Leisure, 19 Aug. 2026

Green and hawksbill sea turtles live and reproduce in the region, while its waters support more than 700 fish species, according to the Deep Sea Reporter. — Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sea turtle

• fertile
• hurtle
• kirtle
• myrtle
• infertile

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