monk seal

American  

noun

1. a small, dark brown, subtropical seal of the genus Monachus: the three species, M. tropicalis of the Caribbean, M. schauinslandi of Hawaiian island regions, and M. monachus of the Mediterranean, are endangered.

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Etymology

Origin of monk seal

1835–45; apparently translation of the NL genus name Monachus ( see monk), originally a specific name ( Phoca monacha ), probably in allusion to the animal's gray coloration and isolated breeding sites; compare French moine, Italian monaco the monk seal, literally, monk

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

monk seal

The Hawaiian monk seal is the only marine mammal found exclusively in Hawaiʻi and holds significant cultural value.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 18, 2025

Over the summer, researchers spotted a young monk seal with a spotted eel hanging out of its nose.

From NewsForKids.net ● Feb. 2, 2024

Last year, Malama was treated for malnutrition at the Marine Mammal Center’s Hawaiian monk seal hospital on the Big Island.

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 6, 2023

The global Mediterranean monk seal population is estimated at between 400 and 500, placing it among the rarest marine mammals, Baz said.

From Reuters ● May 15, 2023

Part of the popular Kaimana Beach in Waikiki on the Hawaiian island of Oahu has been closed off in order to give an endangered Hawaiian monk seal and its newborn pup some space.

From Washington Times ● Apr. 22, 2023