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

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

Plus, an energy crisis is spreading across the world, Thom Tillis supports Kevin Warsh’s confirmation, and San Francisco is in love with Chonkers the sea lion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

“But one sea lion told another sea lion…”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

Researchers say the H5N1 bird flu outbreak in California elephant seals has spread to other marine mammals, including a sea otter and sea lion.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

“And you’re all eating fish right now, but they hunt and eat a wide variety of animals, including the seal, the sea lion, the stingray, the squid, and the octopus.”

From "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden