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pilot whale
noun
: either of two dark gray to black, medium-sized toothed whales (Globicephala melas and G. macrorhynchus) of temperate to tropical waters that have a large rounded forehead and short snout and typically feed on squid and small fish
called also blackfish
Examples of pilot whale in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Despite their name, pilot whales belong to the dolphin family.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024
New Zealand has long been a hotspot for whale strandings, with pilot whales being particularly susceptible to such events.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024
Given Australia’s history of pilot whale strandings, this was not uncommon.
—Donna Sarkar, Discover Magazine, 28 June 2024
In similar archaeological and historical studies in the Faroe Islands, the relatively svelte pilot whale dominated.
—Andrew Chapman, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 May 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1867, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near pilot whale
Cite this Entry
“Pilot whale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pilot%20whale. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
pilot whale
noun
: either of two mostly black medium-sized toothed whales related to the dolphins
More from Merriam-Webster on pilot whale
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pilot whale
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