mantis shrimp

noun

: any of an order (Stomatopoda) of marine crustaceans (such as a squilla) that have gills on the abdominal appendages

called also stomatopod

Examples of mantis shrimp in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The mantis shrimp’s strike is an adaptation for shell penetration. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026 There are few other examples that the protective structures of the mantis shrimp can be compared to. — Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 22 Feb. 2025 In the first menu, customers can find spaghetti with mantis shrimp, salted lemon, sea grapes and monkfish paired with bagna càuda and green asparagus. — Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025 Forget about Mike Tyson or Muhammad Ali, the fastest punch in the world belongs to the mantis shrimp. — Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mantis shrimp

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mantis shrimp was in 1871

Rhymes for mantis shrimp

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Browse Nearby Words

mantissa
mantis shrimp
mantle
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Cite this Entry

“Mantis shrimp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mantis%20shrimp. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on mantis shrimp

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mantis shrimp

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