stingray

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noun sting·ray \-ˌrā\

Definition of stingray

: any of numerous rays (as of the family Dasyatidae) with one or more large sharp barbed dorsal spines near the base of the whiplike tail capable of inflicting severe wounds

See stingray defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of stingray from the Web

Avoid ’em: Shuffling carefully into the water one foot at a time creates gentle vibrations that alert stingrays to your presence.

— bonnie berkowitz, chicagotribune.com, "10 creatures that can ruin your day at the beach", 30 June 2017
Sand sharks and stingrays have also been reported in the waters, and hooks from decades of fishing at the popular spot could litter the seafloor, Hampton reports.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "There’s a New Island Off the Coast of North Carolina", 28 June 2017
Models on display run the gamut from high-rise handlebar Stingrays to banana-seat Krates.

— sacbee, "If you know what a ‘Stingray’ is, the California Automobile Museum has an exhibit for you", 27 June 2017
Not to mention 5-foot long sharks and huge stingrays that are known to hunt in those waters.

— carly breit, Country Living, "A Beautiful New Island Just Appeared Off the Coast of North Carolina", 23 June 2017
Initially thought to be a shark bite, doctors determined that he was injured by a stingray.

— sarah peters, ajc, "NEW: Palm Beach Gardens man, 19, recovering after stingray spears him", 20 June 2017
A captivating stingray fluttered along the sandy bottom at Hawks Nest beach, and a harmless baby lemon shark patrolled in ankle-deep water.

— elizabeth fletcher, Philly.com, "Chance encounter with gentle sea turtles", 18 June 2017
Get close to sharks and piranhas; dare him to touch a stingray, ball python, bearded dragon, or even an alligator.

— the hartford courant, courant.com, "Father's Day Destinations: A Ballgame, An Auto Show, A Faire And More", 8 June 2017
The men, Robert Roomsburg and Wayne Hasher, were found in Bulow Creek State Park with mosquito bites and an injury from a stingray barb.

— web staff, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Stranded overnight in swamp, two men rescued, one sent to jail: report", 7 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stingray'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of stingray

First Known Use of stingray

1624

STINGRAY Defined for English Language Learners

stingray

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noun

Definition of stingray for English Language Learners

: a type of fish that has a large, flat body and a long tail with spines on it that are used to sting other animals

STINGRAY Defined for Kids

stingray

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noun sting·ray \ˈstiŋ-ˌrā\

Definition of stingray for Students

: a flat fish with a sharp stinging spine on its long thin tail

Medical Dictionary

stingray

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noun sting·ray \ˈstiŋ-ˌrā also -rē\

Medical Definition of stingray

: any of numerous large flat cartilaginous fishes (order Rajiformes and especially family Dasyatidae) with one or more large sharp barbed dorsal spines near the base of the whiplike tail capable of inflicting severe wounds