# ridley

/ˈɹɪdɫi/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ridley
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a type of small sea turtle that lives in warm oceans. There are two main kinds: the Kemp's ridley and the olive ridley.

For teachers: refers to either of two species of small sea turtles within the genus Lepidochelys. Typically used as a common name for the Kemp's ridley or the olive ridley.

## Examples

- The olive ridley is the most common sea turtle in the world.
- Conservationists worked through the night to protect the ridley nesting site from local predators.
- The Kemp's ridley remains the most endangered species of sea turtle, with its primary nesting grounds restricted to a single stretch of beach in Mexico.

## Usage notes

- Often used as part of a compound noun (e.g., 'olive ridley' or 'Kemp's ridley').

---

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.