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

Robert, 21, is a conservationist and zookeeper just like his father, Steve Irwin, who was killed by a stingray at age 44 when Robert was just 2 years old in 2006. —Esther Kang, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025

They’re often pressed up against the lagoon-viewing window to watch the stingrays and fish swim by. —Annie Archer, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2025

Snorkel or scuba dive along the pristine reef to encounter 165 endemic fish species, playful dolphins, graceful hawksbill turtles and majestic stingrays. —Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

The Roseville location is currently home to a variety of animals including sea-dwelling fish, fresh water fish, stingrays, a Giant Pacific Octopus, a sloth, an otter, a Goldenchild Cow reticulated python and several birds, according to court documents. —Mars King, Twin Cities, 28 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stingray

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway
• beret

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