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
See all Example Sentences for pilot whale 
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.
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
See all Example Sentences for pilot whale
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 5 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share