Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large marine mammal: A "sea lion" is any of several species of large, eared seals belonging to the family Otariidae. They are characterized by external ear flaps, long foreflippers used for walking on land, and the ability to "walk" on all fours. Unlike true seals, they are more agile on land. They are found in the northern Pacific Ocean and parts of the Southern Hemisphere.
   • Distinct from fur seals: While closely related to fur seals, sea lions generally lack the dense, valuable underfur that characterizes their relatives.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We watched the sea lion perform tricks at the aquarium.
  • A colony of sea lions was basking on the rocky shore.
  • The California sea lion is known for its intelligence and loud bark.

Advanced Usage

• Collective nouns: A group of sea lions on land is often called a "colony," "herd," or "raft" when they are in the water.
  • A large colony of sea lions occupied the pier.

Variants and Related Words

• Otariid (n): The scientific family name for eared seals, which includes both sea lions and fur seals.
• Pinniped (n): The broader order of fin-footed, semiaquatic marine mammals that includes seals, sea lions, and walruses.

Synonyms

• Eared seal: A general term for members of the Otariidae family.
• Seal: A more general term, though technically "seal" can refer to both eared seals (like sea lions) and true seals (which lack external ears).

Related Phrases

• Sea lion's bark: Refers to the distinctive loud, repetitive vocalization made by sea lions.
  • The sea lion's bark echoed across the cove.

Noun

1. any of several large eared seals of the northern Pacific related to fur seals but lacking their valuable coat