coral

noun

cor·​al ˈkȯr-əl How to pronounce coral (audio)
ˈkär-
1
a
: the calcareous or horny skeletal deposit produced by anthozoan or rarely hydrozoan polyps
especially : a richly red precious coral secreted by a gorgonian (genus Corallium)
b
: a polyp or polyp colony together with its membranes and skeleton
2
: a piece of coral and especially of red coral
3
a
: a bright reddish ovary (as of a lobster or scallop)
b
: a deep pink
coral adjective
coralloid adjective

Examples of coral in a Sentence

brightly colored fishes swimming among the coral
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.
These are just absolutely stunning, bright colored coral. Quil Lawrence, NPR, 11 Mar. 2025 After lunch, Governor’s Beach is a prime snorkeling spot, thanks to its calm waters and coral full of tropical fish. Laura Begley Bloom, AFAR Media, 10 Mar. 2025 The underwater mountains of the northwest Pacific are dotted with various types of coral, sponges and plants. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025 In the Southeast, that includes protecting marine life such as sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins and coral. Kathryn Varn, Axios, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for coral

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin corallium, from Greek korallion

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of coral was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coral. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

coral

noun
cor·​al ˈkȯr-əl How to pronounce coral (audio)
ˈkär-
1
a
: the stony or horny deposit that is composed of the skeletons of various polyps
especially : a richly red coral used in jewelry
b
: a polyp or polyp colony together with its membranes and skeleton
2
: a deep pink
coral adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on coral

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!