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

Illustration of manta ray

Examples of manta ray in a Sentence

the manta ray blended in beautifully with the sandy ocean floor
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The aquarium includes over 11 million gallons of water throughout its aquariums, some of which house larger marine life like whale sharks and manta rays. Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025 Research has documented plastics in a variety of sharks (such as whale sharks, basking sharks, manta rays, Atlantic sharpnose sharks, and a few demersal sharks to name a few) across different habitats. Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 The director was initially skeptical of Kennedy’s stories about riding a giant manta ray. Addie Morfoot, Variety, 15 Sep. 2025 The pristine reefs here are home to an abundance of marine life and endless underwater cleaning stations that attract resident manta rays, whale sharks, and turtles. Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for manta ray

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of manta ray was in 1951

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Cite this Entry

“Manta ray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manta%20ray. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on manta ray

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