humpback whale

noun

: a large baleen whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) that is black above and white below and has very long flippers, and fleshy tubercles along the snout

Illustration of humpback whale

Illustration of humpback whale

Examples of humpback whale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kerr says humpback whales don't even want to try, especially considering doing so could lead to a potentially life-threatening jaw injury. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 14 Feb. 2025 As Simancas was paddling in what appeared to be an inflatable kayak, a humpback whale rolled on the surface with its mouth open, swallowing the kayaker. Greg Wehner, Fox News, 13 Feb. 2025 Entanglements with fishing gear, in addition to collisions with ships and underwater noise, pose a threat to humpback whales, which are found throughout all the world’s oceans, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 12 Feb. 2025 Of particular concern off the California coast are humpback whales that commute through California’s waters to and from their tropical breeding grounds. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for humpback whale 

Word History

First Known Use

1726, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of humpback whale was in 1726

Dictionary Entries Near humpback whale

Cite this Entry

“Humpback whale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humpback%20whale. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

humpback whale

noun
: a large baleen whale that is black above and white below and has very long flippers

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