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

Mermaids Cove has returned as an interactive event where guests can meet performers dressed as mermaids and touch a stingray. —Noreen Kompanik, Boston Herald, 8 June 2025

Puns aside, here are five tips to avoid a painful stingray encounter at the beach. —Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025

The sea moth is believed to have used its body flaps to swim similarly to modern stingrays, sharing the waters with fellow radiodont and early apex predator, the iconic Anomalocaris canadensis. —Alana Wise, NPR, 17 May 2025

Fishermen reported accidentally catching the stingray while trawling on July 1. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 28 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