devil ray
noun
: any of various very large rays (genera Manta and Mobula of the family Mobulidae) widely distributed in warm seas that have large, triangular, winglike pectoral fins and a pair of hornlike lobes near the mouth which are used to guide plankton and other small aquatic organisms into the mouth, that typically lack a stinger on the tail, and that reproduce viviparously producing one or two offspring at birth
called also devilfish
compare manta rayExamples of devil ray in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Even manta and devil rays, rightfully dubbed the ‘gentle giants of the sea,’ are not safe.
—
Melissa Cristina Márquez,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
Researchers also recorded a second sighting of a pregnant spinetail devil ray off Palamós, the study said.
—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2025
Manta and devil rays are, arguably, some of the most iconic marine species in the world.
—
Melissa Cristina Marquez,
Forbes,
17 Dec. 2024
Snorkelers might spot turtles and devil rays, and there are several wrecks to explore by scuba.
—
Cnt Editors,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Nov. 2023
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Melissa Cristina Márquez,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
Researchers also recorded a second sighting of a pregnant spinetail devil ray off Palamós, the study said.
—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2025
Manta and devil rays are, arguably, some of the most iconic marine species in the world.
—
Melissa Cristina Marquez,
Forbes,
17 Dec. 2024
Snorkelers might spot turtles and devil rays, and there are several wrecks to explore by scuba.
—
Cnt Editors,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Nov. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Devil ray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/devil%20ray. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
