sea lion

noun

1. any of several large eared seals, as Eumetopias jubatus Steller's sea lion, of the northern Pacific Ocean, and Zalophus californicus California sea lion, of the Pacific coast of North America.
2. Heraldry. a monster having the forepart of a lion, webbed forepaws, and the dorsal fin and tail of a fish.

sea lion

noun

1. any of various large eared seals, such as Zalophus californianus ( Californian sea lion ), of the N Pacific, often used as a performing animal

Word History and Origins

Origin of sea lion¹

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

Last summer, for example, a red tide bloom released a neurotoxin called domoic acid that sickened sea lions and other marine mammals along the California coast, including in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

“There’s so much wildlife — shorebirds, migrating whales, seals, sea lions, dolphins. Before I did the hike, I didn’t think of the Southern California coast as being that abundant with wildlife.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary is lined with sandy beaches and rocky shores and is home to a multitude of seabirds and sea lions.

From Los Angeles Times

A male sea lion died one day after it was discovered with a gunshot wound in its back, Orange County authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times

A wounded sea lion found at Bolsa Chica State Beach this summer died from a gunshot to its back, according to officials who are now offering a $20,000 reward for information about the shooting.

From Los Angeles Times