stingray

noun sting·ray \ ˈstiŋ-ˌrā \

|Updated on: 3 Aug 2018

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

See stingray defined for kids

Recent Examples of stingray from the Web

Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feeding Learn about behaviors of native fish, stingrays, and other marine life during free daily presentations.

— mary lou cruz, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Boca Raton area events July 18-28," 13 July 2018
As Ars has reported for years, stingrays are in use by both local and federal law enforcement agencies nationwide.

— cyrus farivar, Ars Technica, "Judge slams Tacoma for not releasing stingray records," 1 July 2018
However, this spine will be removed so patrons can safely touch the stingrays.

— the kansas city zoo, kansascity, "New Stingray Bay Touch Tank Exhibit Now Open at KC Zoo (Sponsored)," 27 June 2018
Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feeding Learn about behaviors of native fish, stingrays, and other marine life during free daily presentations.

— mary lou cruz, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Boca Raton area events July 18-28," 13 July 2018
Southern stingrays can grow up to 5 ft and weigh up to 200 lbs.

— cassie armstrong, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Two stingray pups born at Brevard Zoo," 18 May 2018
The facility also includes: a 3-D theater; a Tropical Waters of the World exhibit with a stingray and a shark observation pool; and a Rainforest Reptile exhibit and a cafe.

— sonja haller, azcentral, "Best kids things to do in Phoenix in July: Splash pad parties, shark feeds and free fun," 28 June 2018
Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feeding Learn about behaviors of native fish, stingrays, and other marine life during free daily presentations.

— mary lou cruz, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Boca Raton area events: June 13-23," 12 June 2018
And anyway, always better to be bitten by a stingray than bayoneted.

— erik heinrich, BostonGlobe.com, "Kittiwake wreck dive and Stingray City are unforgettable adventures – even if you do get bit," 16 May 2018

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

in the meaning defined above

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STINGRAY Defined for English Language Learners

stingray

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

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

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