sand dollar

noun

: any of numerous flat circular sea urchins (order Clypeasteroida) that live chiefly in shallow water on sandy bottoms

Illustration of sand dollar

Illustration of sand dollar

Examples of sand dollar in a Sentence

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.
Operators like Flipper Finders run morning, afternoon, and sunset tours that explore tidal creeks, salt marshes, and open waterways, often stopping at historic Morris Island to hunt for seashells, fossils, and sand dollars. Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2025 Located about 25 miles south of Fort Myers, this family-friendly, 33-square-mile barrier island is famous for its collection of shells—especially scallop, clam, and tulip varieties—and sand dollars, forming a veritable treasure trove for collectors. Skye Sherman, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2025 Nothing of value, cardboard with pictures and a piece of gum that was as brittle as a sand dollar. Curtis Silver, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025 One of the best reasons to visit the boutique on a hot or rainy day is the chance to paint a sand dollar for $20. Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sand dollar

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sand dollar was in 1884

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sand dollar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sand%20dollar. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

sand dollar

noun
: any of various round flat sea urchins that usually live in shallow water and on sandy bottoms

More from Merriam-Webster on sand dollar

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