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

Two days later, Key West police and Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies found Acosta’s body in the mangroves. —Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2025

Ni serves Peruvian style ceviches and seafood, while Indochine specializes in Asian fusion cuisine and Terra Nostra is perfect for a romantic poolside Italian dinner with a view to the mangroves and canals. —Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025

These imports are often farmed in large industrial ponds, the building of which can contribute to the erosion of mangrove swamps and wetlands. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 24 Mar. 2025

Guests spend their days snorkeling along the reefs, paddling through mangroves, or simply sinking into island time with a fresh coconut in hand. —Laura Begley Bloom, AFAR Media, 25 Feb. 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

Rhymes for mangrove

• alcove
• clove
• cove
• drove
• rove
• shrove
• stove
• strove
• throve
• trove
• wove

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