Sea lion: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.