sea lion

American  

noun

sea lions plural

1. any of several large eared seals, as Eumetopias jubatus Steller's sea lion, of the northern Pacific Ocean, and Zalophus californicus California sea lion, of the Pacific coast of North America.

2. Heraldry. a monster having the forepart of a lion, webbed forepaws, and the dorsal fin and tail of a fish.

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sea lion British  

noun

1. any of various large eared seals, such as Zalophus californianus ( Californian sea lion ), of the N Pacific, often used as a performing animal

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• sea lions
  plural

Etymology

Origin of sea lion

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sea lion

On Isabela Island, a local sea lion known as Panchito has become famous for commandeering the loungers at Cormorant Beach House.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026

The finals day of the World Surf League's New Zealand Pro event was paused after a photographer was attacked in the water by a sea creature that organisers believe was a shark or sea lion.

From BBC ● May 25, 2026

Stellar sea lion pups are born from mid-May to mid-July and usually weigh 35 to 50 pounds, according to the center.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 30, 2026

“Chonkers the stellar sea lion is back at Pier 39 today!” reads one post.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 26, 2026

The wind passed, the tail of a storm roaring out to sea, and Nim was snug in her sea lion shelter, breathing the warm smell of fur.

From "Nim’s Island" by Wendy Orr