Weddell seal

noun

Wed·​dell seal wə-ˈdel- How to pronounce Weddell seal (audio) ˈwe-dᵊl- How to pronounce Weddell seal (audio)
: a vocal Antarctic hair seal (Leptonychotes weddelli) noted for its deep dives in search of food

Examples of Weddell 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.
Sue watched this Weddell seal from aboard a rigid inflatable boat in Neko Harbour of the Antarctic Peninsula. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 Other images on the shortlist include a decorator crab perching on a sea squirt, a gecko attempting to fight off a goshawk and a resting Weddell seal. Jack Guy, CNN, 26 Nov. 2024 Depending on the time of year, other penguin species will be around, as will fur and Weddell seals. Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2024 Satellites in space are helping to map Weddell seal populations. Catherine Hoffman, Discover Magazine, 11 May 2017

Word History

Etymology

James Weddell †1834 English navigator

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Weddell seal was in 1914

Dictionary Entries Near Weddell seal

Cite this Entry

“Weddell seal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Weddell%20seal. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on Weddell seal

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!