# manatee

/ˈmænəˌti/ (US) · /mˈænɐtˌiː/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/manatee
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a large, slow-moving sea animal that looks like a cross between a fish and a whale. It lives in warm water and eats mostly sea grass.

For teachers: a large, herbivorous marine mammal of the order Sirenia, characterized by a paddle-like tail and a streamlined body. It inhabits shallow, coastal waters and estuaries in tropical and subtropical regions.

## Examples

- The manatee swam slowly through the shallow water.
- Conservationists are working to protect the manatee from boat collisions in the shallow coastal areas of Florida.
- Unlike the more widely recognized dolphin, the manatee is a gentle, slow-moving herbivore that relies on dense underwater vegetation for its primary source of sustenance and habitat.

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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.