sea lion

/ˌsi ˈlaɪən/

/si ˈlaɪən/

Other forms: sea lions

A sea lion is a type of mammal that lives in most oceans of the world. Male California sea lions, while playful and whiskered, are also enormous, weighing almost 700 pounds!

The question most of us have about sea lions is, "Wait, are they the same thing as seals?" They're not — but sea lions and seals are closely related. Sea lions are larger and more dog-like, able to walk on all four flippers and having distinctive ear flaps. They also bark loudly and are very social and lively.

Definitions of sea lion

1. noun

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

   Otaria Byronia, South American sea lion

   of the southern coast of South America

   California sea lion, Zalophus californianus, Zalophus californicus

   often trained as a show animal

   Australian sea lion, Zalophus lobatus

   a variety of sea lion found in Australia

   Eumetopias jubatus, Steller sea lion, Steller's sea lion

   largest sea lion; of the northern Pacific

   type of:

   eared seal

   pinniped mammal having external ear flaps and hind limbs used for locomotion on land; valued for its soft underfur