Illustration of limpet
- limpet 1
1
: a marine gastropod mollusk (especially families Acmaeidae and Patellidae) that has a low conical shell broadly open beneath, browses over rocks or timbers in the littoral area, and clings very tightly when disturbed
2
: one that clings tenaciously to someone or something
3
: an explosive device designed to cling magnetically to a metallic surface (such as the hull of a ship)
Examples of limpet in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The space-tug, latched onto the ISS like a limpet, will wait 12 to 18 months for the ISS' altitude to naturally decay from 402 kilometers to 220 kilometers (140 miles).
—
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 13 Jan. 2025
Maffeo stuck to him like a limpet, disrupting Messi’s rhythm with regular physical challenges.
—Dermot Corrigan, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
Burga Magnetic Power Bank for $100: If you are appalled at the idea of attaching an ugly limpet to your iPhone, consider splashing out for one of Burga’s stylish MagSafe power banks.
—Simon Hill, WIRED, 5 Dec. 2024
In June, the US accused Iran of using limpet mines to blow holes in two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as shooting down a US drone.
—Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 20 Nov. 2019
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Keith Cooper, Space.com, 13 Jan. 2025
Maffeo stuck to him like a limpet, disrupting Messi’s rhythm with regular physical challenges.
—Dermot Corrigan, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
Burga Magnetic Power Bank for $100: If you are appalled at the idea of attaching an ugly limpet to your iPhone, consider splashing out for one of Burga’s stylish MagSafe power banks.
—Simon Hill, WIRED, 5 Dec. 2024
In June, the US accused Iran of using limpet mines to blow holes in two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as shooting down a US drone.
—Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 20 Nov. 2019
See all Example Sentences for limpet
Dictionary Entries Near limpet
Cite this Entry
“Limpet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/limpet. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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limpet
noun
lim·pet
ˈlim-pət 
: a marine mollusk that has a low cone-shaped shell, moves over rocks or timbers feeding on food found there, and clings very tightly when disturbed
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