mangrove

American  

[mang-grohv, man-] / ˈmæŋ groʊv, ˈmæn- /

noun

mangroves plural

1. any tropical tree or shrub of the genus Rhizophora, the species of which are mostly low trees growing in marshes or tidal shores, noted for their interlacing above-ground adventitious roots.

2. any of various similar plants.

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mangrove British  

/ ˈmæŋɡrəʊv, ˈmæn- /

noun

1. 1. any tropical evergreen tree or shrub of the genus Rhizophora, having stiltlike intertwining aerial roots and growing below the highest tide levels in estuaries and along coasts, forming dense thickets: family Rhizophoraceae

   2. ( as modifier )

      mangrove swamp

2. any of various similar trees or shrubs of the genus Avicennia: family Avicenniaceae

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• mangroves
  plural

Etymology

Origin of mangrove

First recorded in 1605–15; alteration (by folk etymology) of earlier mangrow, from Portuguese mangue, ultimately derived from Taíno

Explanation

A mangrove is a tree that grows in salty, tropical water near the coast. Most mangroves are found near the equator, though some grow as far north as Florida. Scientists explain the wide distribution of mangroves to the movement of the earth's plates. The oldest mangrove fossils are at least 75 million years old; these ancient, salt-loving trees adapted over time to filter sea water. Mangroves play a role in sustaining coastal areas, even staving off the worst effects of tsunamis. Experts aren't certain about the word's origin, but one theory traces it to a native West Indies language like Carib or Arawakan.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

mangrove mangroves

Similarly, certain marine strategies focus on restoring or protecting coastal ecosystems such as mangrove swamps.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 20, 2025

It was flooded as the water swept across the mangrove and into the facility.

From BBC ● Nov. 7, 2025

There, he greeted residents and learned about the island's mangrove habitats.

From BBC ● Nov. 4, 2025

To uncover this trend, the researchers analyzed thousands of geological records from natural indicators such as ancient coral reefs and mangrove formations.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 23, 2025

Eventually the bird lighted halfway up a black mangrove, squawking irritably about the high tides.

From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen

As mangroves die and carbon-rich soils erode, carbon that had been locked away can be released back into the environment.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 5, 2026

The research also shows that whilst a combination of restoration and a reduction in chopping down mangroves has been successful, it has not been a uniform success across the globe.

From BBC ● Jun. 4, 2026

The fuel terminal was built in the 1920s, when there was little other than mangroves and coconut palms on Fisher Island.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 31, 2026

In Rio de Janeiro, biologist Mário Moscatelli, who’s spent decades restoring mangroves in the city’s gorgeous Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon, is now speaking on behalf of the lagoon’s capybaras.

From Slate ● May 27, 2026

Now, before them, brilliant flocks of wading birds picked their way among tangled mangroves.

From "The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science" by Joyce Sidman