aquatic

1 of 2

adjective

aquat·​ic ə-ˈkwä-tik How to pronounce aquatic (audio) -ˈkwa- How to pronounce aquatic (audio)
Synonyms of aquaticnext
1
: growing or living in or frequenting water
aquatic mosquito larvae
2
: taking place in or on water
aquatic sports
aquatically
ə-ˈkwä-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce aquatic (audio)
-ˈkwa-
adverb

aquatic

2 of 2

noun

1
: an aquatic animal or plant
2
aquatics ə-ˈkwä-tiks How to pronounce aquatic (audio)
-ˈkwa-
 plural in form but singular or plural in construction : water sports

Synonyms

Adjective

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of aquatic in a Sentence

Adjective a lifelong fascination with sharks and other fearsome aquatic creatures
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.
Adjective
Russia, along with other countries, have long been open about training the aquatic mammals to patrol waters near sensitive outposts and bases. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2024 Our mission is perhaps equally bold: to make humans aquatic by enabling our species to live, work and thrive underwater. —David Szondy, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2024
Noun
Joining her in showing off the aquatics theme were Kate Upton and Barbara Palvin. —Hedy Phillips, Peoplemag, 23 June 2024 Flashback: While Gus' presence at the January 2023 shooting hasn't been widely reported, a St. Paul aquatics coach recounted the scene two months ago after the teen went viral during the Democratic National Convention. —Axios, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aquatic 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

earlier, "of water," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, "living in water," going back to Old French aquatike "having the nature of water," borrowed from Latin aquāticus "of water, growing or living in water," from aqua "water" + -āticus, adjective suffix of appurtenance — more at island entry 1, -age

Noun

derivative of aquatic entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aquatic was circa 1600

Dictionary Entries Near aquatic

aquaterrarium

aquatic

aquatic plant

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Aquatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aquatic. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

aquatic

1 of 2 adjective
aquat·​ic ə-ˈkwät-ik How to pronounce aquatic (audio) -ˈkwat- How to pronounce aquatic (audio)
1
: growing or living in or often found in water
aquatic animals
2
: performed in or on water
aquatic sports

aquatic

2 of 2 noun
: an aquatic animal or plant

Medical Definition

aquatic

adjective
aquat·​ic ə-ˈkwät-ik How to pronounce aquatic (audio) -ˈkwat- How to pronounce aquatic (audio)
: growing or living in or frequenting water
aquatic mosquito larvae

More from Merriam-Webster on aquatic

Nglish: Translation of aquatic for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of aquatic for Arabic Speakers

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