1
: the sessile form of cnidarian (such as a coral or sea anemone) typically having a hollow cylindrical body closed and attached at one end and opening at the other by a central mouth surrounded by tentacles armed with nematocysts
2
: a growth projecting from a mucous membrane (as of the colon or vocal cords)
Examples of polyp in a Sentence
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Its role is to create a water current through the colony, ensuring a steady flow of nutrient-bearing water across the feeding polyps.
—
Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026
Those feeding polyps have tentacles and stinging cells that trap plankton, then send food to a common digestive system so the entire colony feeds as one.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026
One type is responsible for feeding — these polyps extend above the sand and secrete a mucus net to capture small prey.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2026
Shortly after releasing Valentine, Jordan underwent surgery to have polyps removed from her vocal cords and worked with a speech therapist to re-train her voice.
—Grace Robins-Somerville, Pitchfork, 30 Mar. 2026
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Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026
Those feeding polyps have tentacles and stinging cells that trap plankton, then send food to a common digestive system so the entire colony feeds as one.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026
One type is responsible for feeding — these polyps extend above the sand and secrete a mucus net to capture small prey.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2026
Shortly after releasing Valentine, Jordan underwent surgery to have polyps removed from her vocal cords and worked with a speech therapist to re-train her voice.
—Grace Robins-Somerville, Pitchfork, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polyp
Cite this Entry
“Polyp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyp. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
polyp
noun
pol·yp
ˈpäl-əp 
: an invertebrate animal (as a sea anemone or a coral) that is a coelenterate having a hollow cylinder-shaped body closed and attached at one end and opening at the other by a central mouth surrounded by tentacles armed with minute stinging organs
Medical Definition
polyp
noun
pol·yp
ˈpäl-əp
: a projecting mass of swollen and hypertrophied or tumorous membrane (as in the nasal cavity or the intestine)
called also polypus
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