pinniped

noun

pin·​ni·​ped ˈpi-nə-ˌped How to pronounce pinniped (audio)
: any of an order or suborder (Pinnipedia) of aquatic carnivorous mammals (such as a seal or walrus) with all four limbs modified into flippers
pinniped adjective

Examples of pinniped in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The group also had questions about any deterrent systems to keep the pinnipeds from coming on land at The Cove. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2025 Equipped with dexterous whiskers, these pinnipeds use a suite of senses to navigate their surroundings with ease. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 29 May 2025 The concept of killing pinnipeds to save fish draws fire from animal-rights advocates and raises concerns about the broader environmental impacts. Cheryl Katz, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 May 2025 Efforts to keep pinnipeds away from salmon have been underway for years, with little success. Cheryl Katz, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for pinniped

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Latin pinna + ped-, pes foot — more at foot

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pinniped was in 1866

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Cite this Entry

“Pinniped.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pinniped. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

pinniped

noun
pin·​ni·​ped ˈpi-nə-ˌped How to pronounce pinniped (audio)
: any of a group of mammals (as seals, sea lions, and walruses) that typically live in oceans but bear their young on land or on floating sheets of ice, have front and hind flippers, and eat other animals (as fish)

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