humpback whale

American  

[huhmp-bak hweyl, weyl] / ˈhʌmpˌbæk ˌʰweɪl, ˌweɪl /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of humpback whale

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

The carcass of a dead humpback whale whose attempted rescue captivated many across Germany has been pulled ashore.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

The documented distance between sightings was 15,100 kilometers, setting a new record for the longest known movement of an individual humpback whale.

From Science Daily • May 20, 2026

Researchers said the work also leant further credence to a theory about humpback whale patterns known as the "Southern Ocean Exchange".

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

The sad saga of a humpback whale stranded a month ago on the German coast has sparked a flood of compassion but also a media frenzy, angry spats, conspiracy theories and death threats.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 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