mangrove

noun

man·​grove ˈman-ˌgrōv 

ˈmaŋ-

1

: any of a genus (Rhizophora, especially R. mangle of the family Rhizophoraceae) of tropical maritime trees or shrubs that send out many prop roots and form dense masses important in coastal land building and as foundations of unique ecosystems

2

: any of numerous trees (as of the genera Avicennia of the acanthus family or Sonneratia of the family Lythraceae) with growth habits like those of the true mangroves

Examples of mangrove in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The planting of mangroves, which have solid roots that help to mitigate the impact of heavy waves and prevent the flow of trash from inland to the sea, is a priority for the Fiji government, along with coral replanting. —Michelle Duff, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2026

The spa With six stories and a hundred treatment rooms, many with stunning views of the sea and mangroves, the health clinic—a separate structure within the larger architecture of the resort—is obviously the star attraction for visitors. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2026

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park already attracts hundreds of thousands of people every year who lounge on its beaches, snorkel and dive offshore and paddle through its mangroves. —David Goodhue april 22, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026

Pneumatophores are exposed root structures that stick up and act like snorkels, reaching above the surface to transport oxygen to the mangrove tree’s underground roots. —Asuka Koda, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably from Portuguese mangue mangrove (from Spanish mangle, probably from Taino) + English grove

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mangrove

• alcove
• clove
• cove
• drove
• rove
• shrove
• stove
• strove
• throve
• trove
• wove

Kids Definition

mangrove

noun

man·​grove ˈman-ˌgrōv 

ˈmaŋ-

: any of various tropical trees or shrubs that grow many prop roots and form dense masses in somewhat salty marshes or shallow salt water