always used before a noun
1
: of or relating to the sea or the plants and animals that live in the sea
marine life
marine animals such as dolphins and whales
a marine environment
marine biologists [=scientists who study life in the sea]
2
: of or relating to sailing on the sea or doing business (such as trading) by sea
a marine [=nautical] chart
marine [=(more commonly) maritime] law
variants
or Marine
plural marines
: a member of the U.S. Marine Corps or the British Royal Marines
He is a former U.S. Marine.
The marines have landed.
the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines
marine barracks
Cite this Entry
“Marine.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/marine. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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