noun
kelp
kehlp
Kelp (noun) means any of several large brown seaweeds that grow in dense underwater forests along rocky coastlines. Example: “Sea otters often wrap themselves in kelp to keep from drifting while they sleep.”
noun
1
Any of several large brown seaweeds that grow in dense underwater forests along rocky coastlines.
"Sea otters often wrap themselves in kelp to keep from drifting while they sleep."
"The divers swam through a thick forest of kelp."
2
The burned ash of seaweed, once used to make glass and extract iodine.
"Kelp ash was once a valuable export used in early industrial glassmaking."
How to use kelp
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA type of large brown seaweed that forms underwater forests, or historically, the ash made from burning it.
Common pairings
kelp forest
giant kelp
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Word forms
- Plural
- kelps
- Third person singular
- kelps
- Past tense
- kelped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Sea otters often wrap themselves in _____ to keep from drifting while they sleep.
Etymology
From Middle English kelpe, of uncertain origin, possibly from Old English roots meaning a lump or swelling, referring to the air-filled bladders on some seaweeds.
Rhymes for kelp
See all rhymes for kelp →Frequently asked questions
What does “kelp” mean?
The word “kelp” means any of several large brown seaweeds that grow in dense underwater forests along rocky coastlines. In plain terms, a type of large brown seaweed that forms underwater forests, or historically, the ash made from burning it.
How do you pronounce “kelp”?
“Kelp” is pronounced kehlp (/kɛlp/ in IPA).
How do you use “kelp” in a sentence?
Here is “kelp” used in a sentence: “Sea otters often wrap themselves in kelp to keep from drifting while they sleep.”
What part of speech is “kelp”?
“Kelp” is a noun.
Where does the word “kelp” come from?
The word “kelp” comes from Old English. From Middle English kelpe, of uncertain origin, possibly from Old English roots meaning a lump or swelling, referring to the air-filled bladders on some seaweeds.
How many meanings does “kelp” have?
“Kelp” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: any of several large brown seaweeds that grow in dense underwater forests along rocky coastlines.
