coral

noun

cor·​al ˈkȯr-əl 

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

ˈkȯr-ə-ˌlȯid 

ˈkär-

adjective

Examples of coral in a Sentence

brightly colored fishes swimming among the coral

Recent Examples on the Web

Tourists have inadvertently introduced invasive species to places like the Galapagos Islands, snorkelers and divers have damaged coral, including in the Great Barrier Reef, and hotels are commonly built atop natural habitat. —Benji Jones, Vox, 3 Jan. 2025

As such, heart cockles tend to avoid bleaching in warmer waters, a phenomenon that affects both corals and other clams. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024

The collection ups the ante on the brand’s signature hard stone dials, which are no easy feat on their own—Piaget sometimes goes a hundred cuts of malachite, lapis lazuli, tiger’s eye, opal, or coral before arriving at one slice that’s precise enough to set as a dial with a movement behind it. —Shannon Adducci, Robb Report, 6 Dec. 2024

The colors are unique, too, especially mint green, coral, and rust. —Kristine Solomon, Travel + Leisure, 30 Nov. 2024

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

Phrases Containing coral

• brain coral
• coral bells
• coral reef
• coral snake
• elkhorn coral
• fire coral
• red coral
• staghorn coral

Kids Definition

coral

noun

cor·​al ˈkȯr-əl 

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