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

In another essay, Mr. Hoagland travels to Antarctica while in a state of mourning, and is moved by observing the bonds among humpback whales.

From The Wall Street Journal

Martin's Wild Water Whales initiative uses various tech including drones to study key species such as blue and humpback whales.

From Barron's

Picnic in our backpacks, my husband and I hiked in from the Palomarin Headlands — about 2.5 miles — along cliffs where you can spot gray and humpback whales, and shaded paths where dappled shadows dance.

From Los Angeles Times

Nets along the east coast also routinely entangle humpback whales on their annual migration to and from the tropics.

From BBC

Juneau is arguably the whale watching capital of Alaska, with humpback whales traveling from Hawaii to the area every summer, along with resident and migratory orcas, so whale watching was high on our list.

From Salon