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

After spending the morning coming face-to-face with piranhas—and being well-versed in the presence of caimans and stingrays—leaping into waters the color of English breakfast tea required a certain suspension of survival instincts. — Liam Hess, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026

An orca’s tail toss of a gravid stingray caused a spillage of stingray pups into the sea off Baja California. — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026

Over several decades, Southern stingrays began gathering at the lagoon’s sandbar to feast on scraps and, eventually, the government designated the area an official Wildlife Interaction Zone to aid in conservation efforts. — Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2026

Also featured in the group is faux ostrich leather on the Air Jordan 14 Retro Low SP, faux snakeskin on the Air Jordan 15 Retro SP and faux stingray on the Air Jordan 17 Retro Low SP. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stingray

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

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