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

Following the stingray attack, Irwin was transported by boat to the Low Isles, about nine miles from the mainland, where he was pronounced dead by medics. —Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025

But these habitats aren’t just for looking—guests have the opportunity to engage in several hands-on encounters ranging from feeding reef fish to playing with stingrays to diving directly into tanks stocked full of coral reef species. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Aug. 2025

Be alert for stingrays and jellyfish. —Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 27 Aug. 2025

The tiny, car-free island brims with dense mangroves, flourishing jungles, and a turquoise sea inviting you to snorkel through networks of coral reefs and around nurse sharks, stingrays, and turtles. —Kristin Braswell, AFAR Media, 14 Aug. 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 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