sand dollar

noun

: any of numerous flat circular sea urchins (order Clypeasteroida) that live chiefly in shallow water on sandy bottoms

Illustration of sand dollar

Illustration of sand dollar

Examples of sand dollar 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.
Low tide is the ideal time to discover treasures like sand dollars, conchs, and the elusive junonia. — Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 9 June 2026 The quilt features classic beach motifs like starfish, sand dollars, and seashells to make your guest bedroom feel like a summer escape. — Brandi Fuller, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2026 Framed sand dollars, ambiguous shoreline wall art, an plethora of rattan, an insipid white couch, sea turtle tchotchkes, and seashells displayed with reckless abandon. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 25 Mar. 2026 Beachcombing conjures up a leisurely world of sand dollars and Daiquiris, but Hiroyama’s practice was actually about bringing in the trash. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sand dollar

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sand dollar was in 1884

Rhymes for sand dollar

See All Rhymes for sand dollar

Browse Nearby Words

sand darter
sand dollar
sand dome
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sand dollar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sand%20dollar. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sand dollar

noun
: any of various round flat sea urchins that usually live in shallow water and on sandy bottoms

More from Merriam-Webster on sand dollar

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sand dollar

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