mangrove

noun

man·​grove ˈman-ˌgrōv 

ˈmaŋ-

1

: any of a genus (Rhizophora, especially R. mangle of the family Rhizophoraceae) of tropical maritime trees or shrubs that send out many prop roots and form dense masses important in coastal land building and as foundations of unique ecosystems

2

: any of numerous trees (as of the genera Avicennia of the acanthus family or Sonneratia of the family Lythraceae) with growth habits like those of the true mangroves

Examples of mangrove in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Watch dunlins, piping plovers, herons, osprey, and even bald eagles make the mangroves and coastal pines their warm-weather home. —Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2025

Nestled in the historic commercial fishing village of Cortez, Swordfish Grill is surrounded by working docks and pristine mangroves, gray pelicans and blue herons, leaping mullet, and frolicking dolphins. —USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025

The Atlantis Spa is a jungle oasis, filled with natural cenotes and mangroves, offering massages, facials, and temazcal ceremonies. —Devorah Lev-Tov, AFAR Media, 31 Jan. 2025

Agents found mangrove leaves inside the boat, mangrove branch scratches on its right side, green plant matter transfer on its Bimini top and fresh gelcoat damage to the starboard bottom of the boat, which led authorities to suspect it had been involved in smuggling humans. —Silas Morgan, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably from Portuguese mangue mangrove (from Spanish mangle, probably from Taino) + English grove

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

mangrove

noun

man·​grove ˈman-ˌgrōv 

ˈmaŋ-

: any of various tropical trees or shrubs that grow many prop roots and form dense masses in somewhat salty marshes or shallow salt water