northern right whale

noun

: either of two right whales of temperate and subpolar waters of the northern hemisphere:
a
: north atlantic right whale
b
: north pacific right whale compare southern right whale

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of northern right whale was in 1843

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near northern right whale

Cite this Entry

“Northern right whale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/northern%20right%20whale. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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