stingray

noun

sting·​ray ˈstiŋ-ˌrā How to pronounce stingray (audio)
: 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

Illustration of stingray

Examples of stingray in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Eager to please the guests, Mike chats with them about the turtles, stingrays, and fish, but there is a strong current that makes swimming a struggle for some guests and almost takes one of them, Liz, away. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 24 Feb. 2026 The skate, a shark relative that looks like a stingray, was no surprise since scientists already knew their range extended that far south. CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026 The skate, a shark relative that looks like a stingray, was no surprise since scientists already knew their range extended that far south. ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026 Steve died in 2006 after being stung by a stingray at the Batt Reef off the coast of Australia. Janelle Ash , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stingray

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stingray was in 1624

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Cite this Entry

“Stingray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stingray. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

stingray

noun
sting·​ray ˈstiŋ-ˌrā How to pronounce stingray (audio)
: 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

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