harbor seal

American  

noun

1. a small, spotted seal, Phoca vitulina, of the Atlantic coasts of North America and Europe and the Pacific coast of northern North America.

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Etymology

Origin of harbor seal

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

“A harbor seal swam under me for close to a minute as I approached the beach, one of those wildlife-human interactions that we cherish,” Rubin wrote.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 29, 2025

But since no one had ever seen a wolf kill a harbor seal or sea otter, the researchers began a beach stakeout, setting up both camera traps and literally sitting there with cameras in hand.

From National Geographic • Nov. 14, 2023

Like human babies, harbor seal pups learn to change their pitch to target a parent's eardrums.

From Scientific American • Sep. 22, 2023

“The typical life span for an adult male harbor seal maxes out probably about 25 years, so he’s a super senior,” said Tim Kuniholm, the aquarium’s senior director of public relations and strategic partnerships.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 14, 2023

It was a harbor seal, but had so few spots that it was a rare prize.

From "Julie of the Wolves" by Jean Craighead George