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
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.
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 Twenty-nine pilot whales dead after mass stranding on WA beach. Donna Sarkar, Discover Magazine, 28 June 2024 Thankfully for Waddington, the pilot whales left his rudders intact. Naomi Schanen, Washington Post, 11 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for pilot whale 

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pilot whale was in 1867

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 21 Nov. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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