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

Beyond the microbes, mudflats, mangrove forests, and salt marshes help protect shorelines from erosion and storm surges. — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 5 Oct. 2026

To someone who knows Miami-Dade, the mangroves, coral and photographs of workers and machinery reveal more of what shaped that view. — Erin Parish, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

The first defensive stage in Fiji and other island nations was building seawalls, planting mangroves, and improving drainage systems, but at this stage, that’s not enough for the most vulnerable coastal areas, experts say. — Dina Kraft, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Sep. 2026

In 2027 Project Hiu aims to bring on more fishers and boats and continue its shark research, as well as increase nontourism efforts like mangrove restoration and plastic cleanup in the area’s waters. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 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
• 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