dolphin

[dawl-fin, dol-]

noun

1. any of several chiefly marine, cetacean mammals of the family Delphinidae, having a fishlike body, numerous teeth, and the front of the head elongated into a beaklike projection.

2. Also called dolphinfish, mahimahi. Also called pompano dolphin. either of two large, slender fishes, Coryphaena hippurus or C. equisetis, of warm and temperate seas.

3. Nautical.

   1. a pile, cluster of piles, or buoy to which a vessel may be moored in open water.

   2. a cluster of piles used as a fender, as at the entrance to a dock.

   3. a pudding fender at the nose of a tugboat or on the side of a vessel.

4. Astronomy.,  Dolphin, the constellation Delphinus.

dolphin

/ ˈdɒlfɪn /

noun

1. any of various marine cetacean mammals of the family Delphinidae , esp Delphinus delphis, that are typically smaller than whales and larger than porpoises and have a beaklike snout

2. any freshwater cetacean of the family Platanistidae, inhabiting rivers of North and South America and S Asia. They are smaller than marine dolphins and have a longer narrower snout

3. Also called: dorado. either of two large marine percoid fishes, Coryphaena hippurus or C. equisetis, that resemble the cetacean dolphins and have an iridescent coloration

4. nautical a post or buoy for mooring a vessel

Word History and Origins

Origin of dolphin¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English dolphyn, from Old French daulphin, from Old Provençal dalfin, from unattested Vulgar Latin dalfīnus, Latin delphīnus, from Greek delphī́n

Word History and Origins

Origin of dolphin¹

C13: from Old French dauphin, via Latin, from Greek delphin-, delphis

Example Sentences

While looking forward to fresh food and a comfy bed, Lachlan said he would miss nights under star-filled skies and close encounters with whales, dolphins and sea birds.

From BBC

"I thought maybe a tiny dolphin would be a nice way of advertising the book but my skin's too fragile so maybe I'll just get a henna one."

From BBC

Following a request by a French court, an expert assessment is being carried out of Marineland's facilities and whether the orcas, and a dozen dolphins also still housed there, should be moved.

From BBC

Charity Marine Connection said growing interaction with the bottlenose - which is frequently seen in the Lyme Bay area of Dorset - is becoming increasingly dangerous for both the dolphin and the public.

From BBC

Chinese scientists think that the sound from ships may have contributed to the demise of the Yangtze's baiji river dolphins, which used sonar to communicate.

From BBC