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humpback whale

American

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

noun

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.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

humpback whales

plural

Etymology

Origin of humpback whale

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

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

Rescuers plan to use air cushions in the latest attempt to free a humpback whale that has been stranded off Germany's northern coast for weeks.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

After spending more than a week trying to save a humpback whale stranded off Germany's northern coast, rescue officials have conceded their hopes have run out.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

An intelligent being: A humpback whale breaches the surface of the waters, Frederick Sound, Alaska, summer 1979.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023