monk seal

noun

: any of two genera (Monachus and Neomonachus) of hair seals of Hawaii, the Mediterranean Sea, and formerly the Caribbean Sea

Examples of monk seal 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.
The humpback whales have returned to the region on their annual migration routes, monk seals have taken up residence on their favorite beaches and crabs have reclaimed their favorite spots along the shore, Yannell said. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2024 Endangered animals like the Hawaiian monk seal, and also sea turtles use the beach to take care of their babies. Sara Ganim, USA TODAY, 5 Aug. 2024 Natural systems depend on the beach like sea turtles that nest and endangered Hawaiian monk seal that raise their pups along the sand. Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 1 Aug. 2024 In fact, the National Marine Park of Zakynthos was established in 1999 to safeguard this delicate habitat, particularly on beaches in the south, as well as other wildlife, including the Mediterranean monk seal. Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 16 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for monk seal 

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of monk seal was in 1841

Dictionary Entries Near monk seal

Cite this Entry

“Monk seal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monk%20seal. Accessed 28 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on monk seal

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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