sea lion

American  

noun

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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Etymology

Origin of sea lion

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

For example, a seal or sea lion attempting to climb onto a surfboard is usually a good sign to paddle into shore.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Bietz denied accusations that he skinned the skull of the sea lion before the confrontation with Diaz.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 2, 2025

“They want to talk about sea lion predation on salmon.”

From Slate • Jun. 9, 2025

Ronan the sea lion can dance to a lot of different songs, but there is something about “Boogie Wonderland,” by Earth, Wind and Fire that really gets her going.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2025

Not that she could make out sea lions from this distance—the lone sailboat she could see wasn’t any bigger than her fingernail, so a sea lion would be like the size of a freckle.

From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman