# kelp

/ˈkɛɫp/ (US) · /kˈɛlp/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kelp
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a type of large, green seaweed that grows in the ocean. It is often used to make food or to make the ocean look more natural in movies.

For teachers: a large, brown seaweed of the order Laminariales, which forms dense underwater forests in coastal areas. Often used in the plural to refer to the plant as a whole.

## Examples

- The kelp grows very quickly in the cold ocean.
- Marine biologists study kelp forests because they provide a vital habitat for many species of fish and invertebrates.
- The rapid growth of kelp can be both a blessing and a curse for coastal communities, as it provides a renewable resource for biofuels while also potentially damaging local fisheries through its dense canopy.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.