staghorn coral

noun

stag·​horn coral ˈstag-ˌhȯrn- How to pronounce staghorn coral (audio)
: any of several large branching corals (genus Acropora, especially A. cervicornis) that somewhat resemble antlers

Illustration of staghorn coral

Illustration of staghorn coral

Examples of staghorn coral 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.
Pairs of multibar angelfish, with their zebra-like stripes and bright yellow bellies, darted across a field of silvery staghorn coral. — Gisela Williams, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026 Elkhorn and staghorn corals used to carpet Florida’s reef system, rising like antlers from the seabed — but not anymore. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025 Meanwhile, environmental groups have been pushing to protect staghorn coral and queen conch nearby. — Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026 Although that conclusion remains a subject of debate, the die-off of elkhorn and staghorn corals in Florida could bolster the argument. — Evan Bush, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for staghorn coral

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of staghorn coral was in 1884

Rhymes for staghorn coral

See All Rhymes for staghorn coral

Browse Nearby Words

staghorn
staghorn coral
stag-horned
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Staghorn coral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/staghorn%20coral. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on staghorn coral

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about staghorn coral

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