mangrove

noun

man·​grove ˈman-ˌgrōv How to pronounce mangrove (audio)
ˈmaŋ-
1
: any of a genus (Rhizophora, especially R. mangle of the family Rhizophoraceae) of tropical maritime trees or shrubs that send out many prop roots and form dense masses important in coastal land building and as foundations of unique ecosystems
2
: any of numerous trees (as of the genera Avicennia of the acanthus family or Sonneratia of the family Lythraceae) with growth habits like those of the true mangroves

Examples of mangrove in a Sentence

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.
That work includes setting up a lab to grow coral for the creation of new reefs and, by 2030, planting more than 50 million mangroves, plus 30 million saplings and shrubs, to improve green cover and reduce erosion. Prasad Ramamurthy, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2024 Conservationists in Haiti are helping to restore mangroves and through that effort, protect marine ecosystems and build a more sustainable income for fishers. Andrew Wight, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 There is still a tension between the desire to develop new land and to protect mangroves, says Narayan. Matt Reynolds, WIRED, 9 Oct. 2024 In addition to the day’s catch, Ruiz must also consider the armed group charging his collective a monthly extortion fee, the strain of safely getting to the mangroves and home again, and plummeting sales related to the violence that has largely taken over Ecuador’s coast. Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mangrove 

Word History

Etymology

probably from Portuguese mangue mangrove (from Spanish mangle, probably from Taino) + English grove

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mangrove was in 1613

Dictionary Entries Near mangrove

Cite this Entry

“Mangrove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mangrove. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

mangrove

noun
man·​grove ˈman-ˌgrōv How to pronounce mangrove (audio)
ˈmaŋ-
: any of various tropical trees or shrubs that grow many prop roots and form dense masses in somewhat salty marshes or shallow salt water

More from Merriam-Webster on mangrove

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!