sea otter

noun

: a rare marine otter (Enhydra lutris) of the northern Pacific coasts that may attain a length of six feet (two meters), is chiefly brown but with lighter coloration on the back of the head and neck, and feeds largely on shellfish

Examples of sea otter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While sea otters are known for using tools, not all individuals actually wield them. —Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 20 May 2024

Federal agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service, monitor the effect of the blasts on such animals as sea otters, bats, western snowy plovers, California least terns and California red-legged frogs. —Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sea otter

noun

: a large marine otter of northern Pacific coasts that feeds mostly on shellfish (as clams, crabs, and sea urchins) and can grow to nearly six feet (two meters) in length