sea cucumber

noun

: any of a class (Holothurioidea) of echinoderms having a tough muscular elongate body with tentacles surrounding the mouth

called also holothurian

Illustration of sea cucumber

Examples of sea cucumber in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Life in the hadal zone includes unique species like amphipods, sea cucumbers and xenophyophores, which often have evolved adaptations such as soft, compressible bodies to withstand the immense pressures. —Jess Thomson, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

Turtle skulls, elephant toenails and sea cucumbers were among the thousands of animal and plant products seized at Los Angeles International Aiport’s mail facility over the last seven months. —Colleen Shalby, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2024

However, despite the harsh conditions, scientists have found some life in the Challenger Deep, such as plankton, sea cucumbers and sea fleas, the outlet reported. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024

Starfish, worms, sea cucumber and other species followed. —Audrey McAvoy, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sea cucumber

noun

: any of a class of invertebrate sea animals that are echinoderms with a long tough flexible muscular body resembling a cucumber and having tentacles surrounding the mouth at one end