leatherback turtle

American  

[leth-er-bak] / ˈlɛð ərˌbæk /

noun

1. a sea turtle, Dermochelys coriacea, having the shell embedded in a leathery skin, reaching a length of more than 7 feet (2.1 meters) and a weight of more than 1000 pounds (450 kilograms): the largest living sea turtle; an endangered species.

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Etymology

Origin of leatherback turtle

First recorded in 1875–80; leather + back ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

leatherback turtle

They say the barriers kill local endangered species like the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin and the leatherback turtle, and they’re not that good at keeping out sharks.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 31, 2026

"Other encounters include an attack on a pygmy sperm whale, predation on a northern elephant seal and Risso's dolphin, and what appeared to be a post-meal lull after scavenging a leatherback turtle."

From Science Daily ● Mar. 15, 2024

Getting tangled up in fishing gear or deliberately caught by humans for food remain the biggest dangers to the leatherback turtle, but storm surges and rising sea levels are an increasing hazard.

From BBC ● Nov. 30, 2023

Olive ridley turtles visit the camp in the rainy season, and Vallerino was preparing for the arrival of the brown leatherback turtle in cooler waters when Otis struck.

From Reuters ● Nov. 4, 2023

A large leatherback turtle swept away in front of him, its distinct markings jogging a memory somewhere.

From "The Boy Who Met a Whale" by Nizrana Farook