sea turtle

noun

1. any of several large turtles of the families Cheloniidae and Dermochelyidae, widely distributed in tropical and subtropical seas, having the limbs modified into paddlelike flippers: all sea turtles are either threatened or endangered through most of their range because of ocean pollution.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sea turtle¹

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

Green turtles are one of the largest species of sea turtles, named for the greenish colour of their body fat, which comes from their plant-based diet.

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A green sea turtle found tangled in fishing line in the San Gabriel River was released back into the ocean Friday in Seal Beach after a three-month recovery at Long Beach’s Aquarium of the Pacific.

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Mexican scientists say debris from exploding SpaceX rockets is killing wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles and fish.

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Mexican scientists say the wreckage is killing wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles and fish.

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For example, the polar bear represents the Arctic, sea turtles serve as ambassadors to the sea, the bald eagle is iconic to North America and the giant panda symbolizes conservation efforts in China.

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