Illustration of leatherback
leatherback
noun
leath·er·back
ˈle-t͟hər-ˌbak 
: the largest existing sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) distinguished by its flexible carapace composed of a mosaic of small bones embedded in a thick leathery skin
Examples of leatherback in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Wildlife, from endangered loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles to manatees is abundant.
—
Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 July 2025
Four can be seen off California including the largest, the leatherback.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
The Pacific leatherback populations are most at risk of extinction.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
That means sea turtle nests need to be marked before any seaweed cleanups can begin in Miami Beach, considered a crucial nesting habitat for loggerhead, green and leatherback sea turtles.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025
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Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 July 2025
Four can be seen off California including the largest, the leatherback.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
The Pacific leatherback populations are most at risk of extinction.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
That means sea turtle nests need to be marked before any seaweed cleanups can begin in Miami Beach, considered a crucial nesting habitat for loggerhead, green and leatherback sea turtles.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for leatherback
Cite this Entry
“Leatherback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leatherback. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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leatherback
noun
leath·er·back
ˈlet͟h-ər-ˌbak
: the largest existing sea turtle with a shell composed of small bones embedded in a thick leathery skin
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