harp seal

noun

: a dark-faced seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) of the North Atlantic that is a variable light gray with the male usually having a dark crescent on its back and sides

Examples of harp seal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Two months ago, a team from the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, New Jersey, found the harp seal on the beach in dire condition. Julia Daye, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2024 During the Covid pandemic, caretakers used robotic companions like Paro, a small robot meant to look like a baby harp seal, to help ease loneliness in older adults. Boone Ashworth, WIRED, 9 Mar. 2024 The baby harp seal Paro robot is aimed at easing loneliness in older adults. Boone Ashworth, WIRED, 9 Mar. 2024 Maybe the water got too cold for cod; maybe harp seals ate them. Robert Kunzig, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 See all Example Sentences for harp seal 

Word History

Etymology

from the shape of its markings

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of harp seal was in 1766

Dictionary Entries Near harp seal

Cite this Entry

“Harp seal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/harp%20seal. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on harp seal

Last Updated: - Definition revised
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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