nekton

noun

nek·​ton ˈnek-tən How to pronounce nekton (audio)
-ˌtän
: free-swimming aquatic animals essentially independent of wave and current action
nektonic
nek-ˈtä-nik How to pronounce nekton (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

German Nekton, from Greek nēkton, neuter of nēktos swimming, from nēchein to swim — more at natant

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nekton was in 1893

Rhymes for nekton

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Browse Nearby Words

Nejdi
nekton
nell
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Cite this Entry

“Nekton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nekton. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

nekton

noun
nek·​ton ˈnek-tən How to pronounce nekton (audio)
-ˌtän
: strong-swimming water-dwelling animals (as whales, sharks, or squid) that are largely independent of the action of waves and currents

More from Merriam-Webster on nekton

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nekton

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