semiaquatic
adjective
semi·aquat·ic
ˌse-mē-ə-ˈkwä-tik 
-ˈkwa-,
ˌse-ˌmī-,
-mi-
: growing equally well in or adjacent to water
also
: frequenting but not living wholly in water
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
The department’s recommendation to the county board that the lake be allowed to become a semiaquatic wetland has stirred anger among Springfield-area residents who have enjoyed it as a recreation hub.
—
Antonio Olivo, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2023
In 1938, the nutria, a large, semiaquatic rodent from Argentina, was introduced onto fur farms in Louisiana.
—Anthony Ham, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2022
The muted-color photos effectively evoke the semiaquatic landscape and conjure a moist, hazy vibe.
—Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 3 June 2022
But a team of researchers recently used high-tech cameras to look at one semiaquatic species, documenting just how exacting these six-legged hoppers are in a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in November.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Dec. 2022
Among the wonders of the natural world that few people have ever noticed: a semiaquatic springtail in motion.
—Oliver Whang, New York Times, 28 Nov. 2022
The paddlelike tail, added this year by Dal Sasso and colleagues, creates a new image of a semiaquatic dinosaur that was more proficient at swimming than running.
—Riley Black, Discover Magazine, 26 May 2020
Intriguingly, the dinosaur likely lived along marine and freshwater habitats like other semiaquatic reptiles, but it’s not something that any other extinct or extant large aquatic vertebrates like ichthyosaurs or sea turtles did.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 5 Dec. 2022
The Natovenator specimen is very similar to Halszkaraptor, another dinosaur discovered in Mongolia, which scientists believe was likely semiaquatic.
—Zoe Sottile, CNN, 4 Dec. 2022
See More
Antonio Olivo, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2023
In 1938, the nutria, a large, semiaquatic rodent from Argentina, was introduced onto fur farms in Louisiana.
—Anthony Ham, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2022
The muted-color photos effectively evoke the semiaquatic landscape and conjure a moist, hazy vibe.
—Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 3 June 2022
But a team of researchers recently used high-tech cameras to look at one semiaquatic species, documenting just how exacting these six-legged hoppers are in a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in November.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Dec. 2022
Among the wonders of the natural world that few people have ever noticed: a semiaquatic springtail in motion.
—Oliver Whang, New York Times, 28 Nov. 2022
The paddlelike tail, added this year by Dal Sasso and colleagues, creates a new image of a semiaquatic dinosaur that was more proficient at swimming than running.
—Riley Black, Discover Magazine, 26 May 2020
Intriguingly, the dinosaur likely lived along marine and freshwater habitats like other semiaquatic reptiles, but it’s not something that any other extinct or extant large aquatic vertebrates like ichthyosaurs or sea turtles did.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 5 Dec. 2022
The Natovenator specimen is very similar to Halszkaraptor, another dinosaur discovered in Mongolia, which scientists believe was likely semiaquatic.
—Zoe Sottile, CNN, 4 Dec. 2022
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'semiaquatic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1833, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near semiaquatic
Cite this Entry
“Semiaquatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semiaquatic. Accessed 3 Jun. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
semiaquatic
adjective
semi·aquat·ic
ˌsem-ē-ə-ˈkwät-ik
ˌsem-ˌī-,
-ˈkwat-
: growing well in or very near water
also
: living near and often entering water but not living in it
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
-
Palter, Dissemble, and Other Words for Lying
Trust us
-
Skunk, Bayou, and Other Words with Native American Origins
You've used more than you might think
-
Words For Things You Didn't Know Have Names, Vol. 2
When 'thingamajig' and 'thingamabob' just won't do
-
When Were Words First Used?
Look up any year to find out
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share