1
a
: the calcareous or horny skeletal deposit produced by anthozoan or rarely hydrozoan polyps
especially
: a richly red precious coral secreted by a gorgonian (genus Corallium)
b
: a polyp or polyp colony together with its membranes and skeleton
2
: a piece of coral and especially of red coral
3
a
: a bright reddish ovary (as of a lobster or scallop)
b
: a deep pink
coral
adjective
Examples of coral in a Sentence
brightly colored fishes swimming among the coral
Recent Examples on the Web
However, new research has shown that one species of mushroom coral, Cycloseris cyclolites, actively moves toward blue light waves, using a mechanism similar to the pulsing motion of jellyfish.
—
Katie Hunt, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025
The animals frequently begin their lives living among colonial corals.
—Jason Bittel, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Snorkeling, scuba diving, dolphin excursions and even planting coral with the resort’s resident marine biologist, among other adventures, are also available.
—Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
There are also more vibrant colors to choose from, including teal, purple, and coral.
—Bridget Degnan, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for coral 
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Katie Hunt, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025
The animals frequently begin their lives living among colonial corals.
—Jason Bittel, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Snorkeling, scuba diving, dolphin excursions and even planting coral with the resort’s resident marine biologist, among other adventures, are also available.
—Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
There are also more vibrant colors to choose from, including teal, purple, and coral.
—Bridget Degnan, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for coral
Dictionary Entries Near coral
Cite this Entry
“Coral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coral. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
coral
noun
cor·al
ˈkȯr-əl 
ˈkär-
1
a
: the stony or horny deposit that is composed of the skeletons of various polyps
especially
: a richly red coral used in jewelry
b
: a polyp or polyp colony together with its membranes and skeleton
2
: a deep pink
coral
adjective
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