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

Those who live along the banks of a southeast canal in Cape Coral are used to a peaceful day-to-day life, with the exception of an odd dolphin or stingray sighting. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 19 May 2025

Incredible natural wildlife sightings are a daily occurrence on the property, often leading guests to spot stingrays bopping in the water along the shores, turtles finding secluded spots to nest amongst the sand and birds chirping from the palm trees. —Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

In 2006, Steve Irwin died following an injury from a stingray incurred during the filming of an underwater documentary. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025

Guests can snorkel among tropical fish and feed southern stingrays in an on-site 500,000-gallon saltwater lagoon pool. —Annie Archer, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 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