pygmy sperm whale

noun

: a toothed whale (Kogia breviceps) of tropical and temperate waters of the northern and southern hemispheres that is bluish-gray to black above with lighter underparts, has a crescent-shaped light marking between the eye and flipper, and may reach up to 12.5 feet (3.7 meters) in length but is typically shorter

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pygmy sperm whale was in 1871

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near pygmy sperm whale

Cite this Entry

“Pygmy sperm whale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pygmy%20sperm%20whale. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!