pinniped

noun

pin·​ni·​ped ˈpi-nə-ˌped How to pronounce pinniped (audio)
: any of an order or suborder (Pinnipedia) of aquatic carnivorous mammals (such as a seal or walrus) with all four limbs modified into flippers
pinniped adjective

Examples of pinniped in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Modern-day seals or pinnipeds, such as harbor, elephant and ringed seals, are highly adapted to their watery environments and use their whiskers to detect vibrations underwater. Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 23 Aug. 2023 Casts were made because preserved remains of whiskers or soft tissues of early pinnipeds are unknown. Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 23 Aug. 2023 Several of these sleek pinnipeds haul themselves out of the Pacific Ocean onto the rocks of Point La Jolla, a rugged peninsula located about 15 miles northwest of downtown San Diego. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Sep. 2023 Now, city leaders are stepping in to help keep the pinnipeds safe. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Sep. 2023 Researchers had already discovered the capacity for vocal learning in species other than humans, including in songbirds, hummingbirds, parrots, cetaceans such as dolphins and whales, pinnipeds such as seals, elephants and bats. Sonia Shah, New York Times, 20 Sep. 2023 Year-round, the animals can be seen on or near the beach and at Seal Rock, a reserve for pinnipeds just offshore. Emily Alvarenga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2023 La Jolla has become a popular landing place for pinnipeds to haul out of the ocean and rest — and for tourists to gawk at them. Emily Alvarenga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2023 The relatives of present day pinnipeds primarily lived on land and in freshwater environments, unlike our recognizable harbor seals which spend most of their time under the waves in saltwater. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pinniped.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Latin pinna + ped-, pes foot — more at foot

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pinniped was in 1866

Dictionary Entries Near pinniped

Cite this Entry

“Pinniped.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pinniped. Accessed 2 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

pinniped

noun
pin·​ni·​ped ˈpi-nə-ˌped How to pronounce pinniped (audio)
: any of a group of mammals (as seals, sea lions, and walruses) that typically live in oceans but bear their young on land or on floating sheets of ice, have front and hind flippers, and eat other animals (as fish)

More from Merriam-Webster on pinniped

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