stingray

noun

sting·​ray ˈstiŋ-ˌrā 

: any of numerous rays (as of the family Dasyatidae) with one or more large sharp barbed dorsal spines near the base of the whiplike tail capable of inflicting severe wounds

Illustration of stingray

Examples of stingray in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The popular Crocodile Hunter host died after being impaled by a stingray barb in his chest while diving in his native Australia back in 2006. —Lawrence Yee, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024

Each sweep meticulously designed to ensure an 80% overlap, capturing every detail of the stingray feeding pits that Grew had studied for months. —Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024

Just minutes before the fatal stingray attack, Irwin and Lyons were planning out their next shot to film. —Alex Gurley, Peoplemag, 4 Sep. 2024

Last year, an ancient, still-active volcano was found off the Canadian coast, covered in millions of giant eggs laid by Pacific white skates (a hauntingly beautiful cartilaginous fish that looks like a stingray). —Scott Travers, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

stingray

noun

sting·​ray ˈstiŋ-ˌrā 

: any of numerous rays that have one or more large sharp stinging spines near the base of the whiplike tail

Medical Definition

stingray

noun

sting·​ray

ˈstiŋ-ˌrā also -rē

: any of numerous large flat cartilaginous fishes (order Rajiformes and especially family Dasyatidae) with one or more large sharp barbed dorsal spines near the base of the whiplike tail capable of inflicting severe wounds