Illustration of otter
- otter 1
plural otters also otter
1
: any of various largely aquatic carnivorous mammals (such as genus Lutra or Enhydra) of the weasel family that usually have webbed and clawed feet and dark brown fur
2
: the fur or pelt of an otter
Examples of otter in a Sentence
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There’s a large theater space, believed to be designed in the hopes of Disneyland becoming a television production locale, and a significant plot dedicated to a river with surrounding attractions — the map calls for a space for otters, as well as a swamp area.
—
Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
From a group of playful otters vying over a fresh fish to weeping plum trees glistening in the rain, the winners of a National Geographic contest open to amateur photographers have captured the diversity and beauty of Earth.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 1 May 2025
About 30 mammals — including whales, dolphins, dugongs, seals, walruses, otters, and beavers — started on land, before venturing into water even part time.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
Stroll along the shore to the Hole-in-the-Wall sea arch and watch for bald eagles, sea lions, otters, and even whales (being mindful of tides and waves).
—Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2025
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Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
From a group of playful otters vying over a fresh fish to weeping plum trees glistening in the rain, the winners of a National Geographic contest open to amateur photographers have captured the diversity and beauty of Earth.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 1 May 2025
About 30 mammals — including whales, dolphins, dugongs, seals, walruses, otters, and beavers — started on land, before venturing into water even part time.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
Stroll along the shore to the Hole-in-the-Wall sea arch and watch for bald eagles, sea lions, otters, and even whales (being mindful of tides and waves).
—Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for otter
Cite this Entry
“Otter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/otter. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
otter
noun
ot·ter
ˈät-ər 
plural otter or otters
1
: any of several water-dwelling mammals that are related to the weasels and minks, have webbed feet with claws and dark brown fur, and feed on other animals (as fish, clams, and crabs) that live in or near the water compare sea otter
2
: the fur or pelt of an otter
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