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Definitions

pelagic

[puh-laj-ik] / pəˈlædʒ ɪk /
ADJECTIVE
oceanic
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The scientists said deep divers, such as sperm whales, and pelagic dolphins showed a steadier increase in strandings since the 1990s.

From BBC • Aug. 20, 2025

Now the scientists — who were researching pelagic sharks at the country’s Canary Islands — are going to study the anglerfish’s body, hoping to learn more about its uncharacteristic behavior.

From Salon • Feb. 13, 2025

They then employed Bayesian models to reconstruct ancestral habitats, revealing that ceratioids originated from benthic ancestors before transitioning to the pelagic zone.

From Science Daily • Dec. 2, 2024

The state’s shores offer temperate-weather hiking with views of dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, pelagic birds such as the blue-footed booby and several species of sandpiper, and native wildflowers.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 16, 2024

This open sea, or pelagic sealing did great harm.

From Abroad at Home American Ramblings, Observations, and Adventures of Julian Street by Street, Julian