aquatic

1 of 2

adjective

aquat·​ic ə-ˈkwä-tik How to pronounce aquatic (audio) -ˈkwa- How to pronounce aquatic (audio)
1
: growing or living in or frequenting water
aquatic mosquito larvae
2
: taking place in or on water
aquatic sports
aquatically adverb

aquatic

2 of 2

noun

1
: an aquatic animal or plant
2
aquatics ə-ˈkwä-tiks How to pronounce aquatic (audio)
-ˈkwa-
plural in form but singular or plural in construction : water sports

Examples of aquatic in a Sentence

Adjective a lifelong fascination with sharks and other fearsome aquatic creatures
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
As of early Tuesday, more than 300 officers, specialists, tactical units and aquatic search teams were searching the surrounding area of the hotel for any information about the woman’s whereabouts, according to a post on social media by Dominican Republic National Police. Lex Harvey, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025 Though this is definitely more of a masculine fragrance, anyone who enjoys a crisp, light aquatic scent will appreciate this eau de toilette from Maison Margiela. Emily Orofino, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
The aquatics center would go on nearby green space and connect to a new community center. Alissa Widman Neese, Axios, 23 July 2024 Other developments she’s overseen include the Highlands of Elgin Golf Course, Bowes Creek Golf Course, the aquatics centers at Lords Park and Wing Park, and Hawthorn Hill Nature Center. Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aquatic

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

earlier, "of water," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, "living in water," going back to Old French aquatike "having the nature of water," borrowed from Latin aquāticus "of water, growing or living in water," from aqua "water" + -āticus, adjective suffix of appurtenance — more at island entry 1, -age

Noun

derivative of aquatic entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aquatic was circa 1600

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Cite this Entry

“Aquatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aquatic. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

aquatic

1 of 2 adjective
1
: growing or living in or often found in water
aquatic animals
2
: performed in or on water
aquatic sports

aquatic

2 of 2 noun
: an aquatic animal or plant

Medical Definition

aquatic

adjective
: growing or living in or frequenting water
aquatic mosquito larvae

More from Merriam-Webster on aquatic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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