stingray

noun

sting·​ray ˈstiŋ-ˌrā 

: 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

Illustration of stingray

Examples of stingray in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Using robotic fins, researchers at the University of California, Riverside, have learned how stingrays swim with impressive control. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Jan. 2026

Laurie Haller, of Costa Mesa, was soaking her foot Monday morning to ease the pain following her seventh stingray hit that happened just four feet from shore. —Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 13 Jan. 2026

Seven out of the 10 dogs successfully learned the names of their new toy stingrays and armadillos from passively listening to their owners. —Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026

Fan favorites include horseback riding on the beach, kayaking adventures, snorkeling excursions, and stingray encounters. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stingray

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway
• beret

Kids Definition

stingray

noun

sting·​ray ˈstiŋ-ˌrā 

: any of numerous rays that have one or more large sharp stinging spines near the base of the whiplike tail

Medical Definition

stingray

noun

sting·​ray

ˈstiŋ-ˌrā also -rē

: any of numerous large flat cartilaginous fishes (order Myliobatiformes 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