pinniped

noun

pin·​ni·​ped ˈpi-nə-ˌped 

: 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

Cage-diving operations for white sharks are typically located at naturally occurring gathering spots, often near colonies of pinnipeds. —Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024

The pinnipeds may not use or swim through certain habitats or have a preference for some areas over others. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Aug. 2024

The pinnipeds — who are cruising from as far north as southeastern Alaska down to the Channel Islands for mating season — have swarmed the pier in such large numbers because of a massive school of anchovies swimming near the Farallon Islands. —Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2024

Later that year, the pinnipeds, especially younger, smaller ones, struggled. —Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pinniped

noun

pin·​ni·​ped ˈpi-nə-ˌped 

: 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)