leatherback

noun

leath·​er·​back ˈle-t͟hər-ˌbak How to pronounce leatherback (audio)
: the largest existing sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) distinguished by its flexible carapace composed of a mosaic of small bones embedded in a thick leathery skin

Illustration of leatherback

Illustration of leatherback

Examples of leatherback 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.
Located in Hobe Sound at the southernmost tip of the Indian River Lagoon, the Blowing Rocks Preserve is a sanctuary for sea turtles including loggerhead, green, and leatherback. Kara Franker, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2025 In Palm Beach, Florida, where local conservationists report that off-leash dogs have been harassing nesting turtles and digging up nests, the advocacy group Bear Warriors United intends to sue the town for not adhering to endangered species protections of green, leatherback, and loggerhead turtles. Byrichard Pallardy, science.org, 28 June 2024 The area, which includes popular spots such as Pismo Beach and the Gaviota Coast, is home to humpback whales, sea otters, leatherback sea turtles, kelp forests, rocky reefs and more than 200 shipwrecks. Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2024 Plastic bags are among the most common types of plastic waste consumed by or entangling marine animals, including the endangered Pacific leatherback sea turtles, whales and dolphins. Fiona Hines, The Mercury News, 6 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for leatherback 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leatherback was circa 1855

Dictionary Entries Near leatherback

Cite this Entry

“Leatherback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leatherback. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

leatherback

noun
leath·​er·​back ˈlet͟h-ər-ˌbak How to pronounce leatherback (audio)
: the largest existing sea turtle with a shell composed of small bones embedded in a thick leathery skin
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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