manta ray

noun

: devil ray

especially : a ray (Manta birostris) that averages 22 feet (6.7 meters) in width with a weight reaching 3000 pounds (1361 kilograms)

Illustration of manta ray

Synonyms

• ray
• sea devil
• manta

Examples of manta ray in a Sentence

the manta ray blended in beautifully with the sandy ocean floor

Recent Examples on the Web

More than a dozen species of stingrays are found in Florida's waters, including the southern stingray, the yellow stingray, the Atlantic stingray, and several manta rays, per the FWC. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 4 Aug. 2025

Giant manta rays must constantly swim and cover significant distances during seasonal migrations. —Skyler Swisher, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2025

The waters here are home to spectacular marine wildlife, including humpback whales, manta rays, sea turtles, and one of the largest aggregations of whale sharks in the world, making this spot a Shangri-La for ocean lovers. —Chloe Berge, Outside Online, 17 June 2025

Active travelers can swim with manta rays, scuba dive in the Great Astrolabe Reef, or participate in hands-on coral restoration. —Sarah Farag, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for manta ray

• aaa
• adonais
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

Kids Definition

manta ray

noun

man·​ta ray

ˈmant-ə-

: any of several extremely large rays that are widely distributed in warm seas and have enlarged pectoral fins resembling wings

called also devilfish, manta