sea lion

noun

: any of several Pacific eared seals (such as genera Eumetopias and Zalophus) that are usually larger than the related fur seals and lack a thick underfur

Examples of sea lion 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.
One of its processing plants sits along the city's Yaquina Bay, near a dock where sea lions gather. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 Federal agencies have overlapping jurisdiction over captive marine mammals –– for sea lions, the USDA oversees their welfare and NOAA decides who can keep them for public display. — Valerie Greene, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 But the toll on wildlife since 2021 has been immense, including mass die-offs of sea lions in Peru and seal pups on Antarctic islands. — Kenny Torrella, Vox, 20 Oct. 2026 The marine conservation area near Point Sal encompasses kelp forests and what’s known as Lion Rock, a haven for sea lions, seals and migratory birds, said Violet Sage Walker, chair of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sea lion

Word History

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sea lion was in 1697

Rhymes for sea lion

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Browse Nearby Words

sealing wax
sea lion
sea lizard
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Cite this Entry

“Sea lion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sea%20lion. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sea lion

noun
: any of several large Pacific seals that have small ears on the outside of the body

More from Merriam-Webster on sea lion

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sea lion

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