walrus

noun

wal·​rus ˈwȯl-rəs 

ˈwäl-

plural walrus or walruses

: a large gregarious marine mammal (Odobenus rosmarus of the family Odobenidae) of arctic waters related to the seals that has limbs modified into webbed flippers, long ivory tusks, a tough wrinkled hide, stiff whiskers, and a thick layer of blubber

Note: The male walrus may reach a weight of over 3700 pounds (1678 kilograms). Walrus typically inhabit moving pack ice and usually feed on organisms (such as clams and mussels) living on or near the ocean's bottom. Walrus of the northern Atlantic are considered a separate subspecies (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) from the somewhat larger northern Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens).

Examples of walrus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Mystical foxes, the torches of gentle giants, spirits kicking around a walrus skull—humans have interpreted the northern lights in many ways over time. —Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 30 Dec. 2024

With no fixed itinerary or schedule, guests do and see more due to the small group size—experiencing mind-boggling local wildlife, such as polar bears, walruses, seals, and more. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

These are the Lewis chessmen and are chess pieces made of walrus ivory and found in Scotland on the Isle of Lewis. —Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2024

Wallowing in its depths, like a walrus, was a joint of beef as big as a Wellington boot. —Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Dutch, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish & Norwegian hvalros walrus, Old Norse rosmhvalr

First Known Use

1728, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

walrus

noun

wal·​rus ˈwȯl-rəs 

ˈwäl-

plural walrus or walruses

: a large mammal of cold northern seas that is related to the seals and has long ivory tusks, a tough wrinkled hide with a thick layer of blubber below, stiff whiskers, and flippers used in swimming, diving, and moving about on land