dolphin

noun

dol·​phin ˈdäl-fən How to pronounce dolphin (audio)
ˈdȯl-
1
a
: any of various small marine toothed whales (family Delphinidae) with the snout more or less elongated into a beak and the neck vertebrae partially fused

Note: While not closely related, dolphins and porpoises share a physical resemblance that often leads to misidentification. Dolphins typically have cone-shaped teeth, curved dorsal fins, and elongated beaks with large mouths, while porpoises have flat, spade-shaped teeth, triangular dorsal fins, and shortened beaks with smaller mouths.

b
: any of several related chiefly freshwater toothed whales (as of the families Platanistidae and Iniidae) : river dolphin
2
3
capitalized : delphinus
4
: a spar or buoy for mooring boats
also : a cluster of closely driven piles used as a fender for a dock or as a mooring or guide for boats

Illustration of dolphin

Illustration of dolphin
  • dolphin 1a

Examples of dolphin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Kayak through the mangroves at Thousand Islands Conservation Area to spot manatees, dolphins, and lots of birds. Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 28 Feb. 2024 Share [Findings] Veterinarians developed an ultrasound schedule for pregnant dolphins, and marine biologists discovered four new species of walking sharks and found that gray seals clap at each other to communicate underwater. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2024 Toothed whales, which include dolphins, sperm whales and beluga whales, evolved a nasal vocal organ to make sounds, while baleens rely on their larynx. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Feb. 2024 For nearly a month, orcas have been swimming off Southern California, feasting on dolphins and attracting people to see these majestic mammals in nature. Laylan Connelly, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024 Toothed whales include, orcas, sperm whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 21 Feb. 2024 While dining at her dockside restaurant boasting a century of history, you'll be captivated by the fishermen working alongside seabirds and the occasional dolphin. Usa Today Network, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2024 Hire a guide for the most comprehensive experience, which can often lead to castaway-style beaches, or join a boat ride to cross an idyllic lagoon teeming with dolphins and turtles. Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2024 Officials with the tour said the whale watching group saw the orcas harassing white-sided dolphins and also noticed multiple humpback and gray whales in the area. Brooke Baitinger, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dolphin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English delphyn, dolphyn, from Anglo-French delphin, alteration of Old French dalfin, from Medieval Latin dalfinus, alteration of Latin delphinus, from Greek delphin-, delphis; akin to Greek delphys womb, Sanskrit garbha

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of dolphin was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near dolphin

Cite this Entry

“Dolphin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dolphin. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dolphin

noun
dol·​phin ˈdäl-fən How to pronounce dolphin (audio)
ˈdȯl-
1
a
: any of various small whales with teeth and a long nose
2
: either of two active saltwater food fishes noted for their brilliant coloring

More from Merriam-Webster on dolphin

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