humpback whale

American  

[huhmp-bak hwayl, wayl] / ˈhʌmpˌbæk ˌʰweɪl, ˌweɪl /

noun

• humpback whales
  plural

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.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• humpback whales
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of humpback whale

First recorded in 1715–25

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

humpback whale

Biologists are hoping to save a humpback whale last seen entangled in a fishing net off the coast of San Pedro.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 5, 2026

The encounter, documented by researchers from Griffith University and Sea World Foundation, raises the possibility that humpback whale mothers may experience grief when a calf dies.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 22, 2026

Eager cruise passengers zipping around New York's southern shores rush to the starboard bow: a humpback whale is up for air, a breathtaking sighting set against Manhattan's iconic skyline.

From Barron's ● Aug. 18, 2026

A young girl and her mother found a humpback whale stranded at Wathumba Creek in K'gari, Queensland, Australia.

From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026

Best of all was the humpback whale Jackson spotted a couple of years ago.

From "I Survived the Great Alaska Earthquake, 1964" by Lauren Tarshis

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