sea otter

noun

: a rare marine otter (Enhydra lutris) of the northern Pacific coasts that may attain a length of six feet (two meters), is chiefly brown but with lighter coloration on the back of the head and neck, and feeds largely on shellfish

Examples of sea otter 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.
If time in Homer allows, book a Kachemak Bay wildlife cruise to spot sea otters, seals, whales, and puffins before jetting back to Anchorage. Stephanie Vermillion, USA TODAY, 19 Oct. 2024 The 4,500-square-mile-sanctuary protects at-risk species such as shorebirds, whales, dolphins, sea turtles and sea otters. Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024 Whales, dolphins, sea lions and sea otters frolic in the waters around the park, while the islands provide a terrestrial habitat for super-rare flora and fauna species like the Torrey Pine and Island Fox. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 4 Sep. 2024 Orcas, humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions, seals, sea otters, and a variety of aquatic birds like puffins also call these waters home. Trails for hiking, running, and biking surround Tofino, winding through old-growth forests, dropping down to hidden beaches, and climbing up to scenic viewpoints. Jayme Moye, Outside Online, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sea otter 

Word History

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sea otter was in 1664

Dictionary Entries Near sea otter

Cite this Entry

“Sea otter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sea%20otter. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

sea otter

noun
: a large marine otter of northern Pacific coasts that feeds mostly on shellfish (as clams, crabs, and sea urchins) and can grow to nearly six feet (two meters) in length

More from Merriam-Webster on sea otter

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