humpback whale

[ huhmp-bak hweyl, weyl ]

noun

1. a large baleen whale of the genus Megaptera having long narrow flippers, and noted for its habit of arching deeply as it dives: an endangered species.

Word History and Origins

Origin of humpback whale¹

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

The odds also increase for marine-wildlife sightings, since blue and humpback whales are migrating past the Channel Islands during these months.

From Outside Online

The glaciers pull minerals from these mountains, which melt into the ocean, which in turn provide nutrient-rich waters for humpback whales and krill, their main source of food.

From Outside Online

“If we’re headed to a port of call, but we see a group of humpback whales, we’re going to divert course and hang out to let people savor that Alaska moment,” Kirkpatrick said.

From Washington Post

For instance, they’ve observed groups of humpback whales on opposite sides of the world, which have no contact with each other, change their songs in similar patterns.

From Popular-Science

The Whale and Dolphin Conservation runs an orca and humpback whale adoption program.

From Washington Post

The Humpback whale is one of these "Finners," distinguished by its excessively long flippers and huge bulk.

From Project Gutenberg