sargassum

American

[sahr-gas-uhm] / sɑrˈgæs əm /

noun

any seaweed of the genus Sargassum, widely distributed in the warmer waters of the globe, as S. bacciferum, the common gulfweed.

sargassum British

/ sɑːˈɡæsəm /

noun

any floating brown seaweed of the genus Sargassum, such as gulfweed, of warm seas, having ribbon-like fronds containing air sacs

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of sargassum

From New Latin, dating back to 1900–05; see origin at sargasso

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

sargassum

Barcena said the "massive arrival" of sargassum is due to irregular ocean currents starting in 2011.

From Barron's ● Jul. 30, 2026

Originating in the Atlantic Ocean's Sargasso Sea, sargassum was pushed by clockwise currents into nutrient-rich waters where it has exploded in growth.

From Barron's ● Jul. 30, 2026

Massive amounts of sargassum washing onto Florida's coastline are not only affecting beachgoers, they are also creating a serious new barrier for young sea turtles.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 24, 2025

Scientists have long known that anything blocking a hatchling's route can slow it down and increase danger, but very little research has focused directly on the effects of sargassum.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 24, 2025

They had a pleasant supper, and the meat of the cabiai was proclaimed excellent; the sargassum and pistachio-nuts completed the repast.

From The Mysterious Island by Stephen W. White

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023