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Sea lion Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sea lion

[ˈsiː ˈlaɪən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

marine mammal

A sea lion is a large, eared seal that lives in coastal waters and is known for its agility in the water. Sea lions are social animals that often gather in colonies on rocky shores or sandy beaches.

Synonyms

marine mammal, pinniped, seal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sea lion

Use 'sea lion' when referring specifically to the type of large marine animals with external ear flaps, long foreflippers, and the ability to walk on land by rotating their hind flippers forward.

  • The sea lion performed playful tricks during the aquarium show.
  • A group of sea lions sunbathed on the rocky shore.
seal

Use 'seal' when referencing a specific type of pinniped often characterized by their lack of external ear flaps, smaller size compared to sea lions, and less ability to move on land.

  • A harbor seal poked its head above the water near the docks.
  • Seals are often spotted resting on ice floes in the Arctic.
pinniped

Use 'pinniped' when discussing the family of fin-footed marine mammals that includes seals, sea lions, and walruses; often used in scientific or formal contexts.

  • The zoo has several exhibits featuring different types of pinnipeds.
  • Pinnipeds are known for their ability to swim efficiently with their flippers.
marine mammal

Use 'marine mammal' when talking about a broad category of mammals that live primarily in the ocean, such as whales, dolphins, and seals, not just sea lions.

  • Marine mammals play crucial roles in the health of marine ecosystems.
  • Researchers are studying the impact of climate change on marine mammals.

Examples of usage

  • The sea lion gracefully swam through the ocean, diving and playing with its fellow sea lions.
  • Tourists gathered on the beach to watch the sea lions basking in the sun.
  • The sea lion's loud barks could be heard echoing across the bay.
  • Sea lions use their flippers to propel themselves through the water at great speeds.
  • The sea lion's whiskers help it detect prey in murky waters.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Habitat

  • Sea lions are commonly found along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean, from North America to South America.
  • They prefer sandy beaches and rocky shorelines, where they can rest and socialize.

Behavior

  • Playful and intelligent, these animals are known for their acrobatics, often leaping out of the water and balancing on their flippers.
  • Sea lions use a variety of vocalizations to communicate, including barks, growls, and hums.

Conservation

  • Although not currently endangered, sea lions face threats from climate change, pollution, and fishing nets.
  • Conservation efforts help to monitor populations and promote healthy ocean ecosystems.

Pop Culture

  • These sea creatures frequently appear in aquariums and marine shows, delighting audiences with their tricks.
  • Animated films often include sea lions as characters, showcasing their playful and social nature.

Origin of 'sea lion'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'sea lion' refers to their lion-like appearance with a thick neck and mane, especially in males.
  • The scientific name for sea lions is 'Zalophus', which comes from Greek, meaning 'to give a puff'—a nod to the sounds they make.

The term 'sea lion' has been used since the late 18th century to describe these marine mammals. The name likely originated from the perceived resemblance of the animal's loud barks to a lion's roar. Sea lions have been an important part of coastal ecosystems and have been admired for their grace and agility in the water.