humpback whale

American  

[huhmp-bak hweyl, weyl] / 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

Etymology

Origin of humpback whale

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

humpback whale

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

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

From BBC ● May 31, 2026

Danish environment officials are planning to remove the carcass of a humpback whale from the island of Anholt, as concerns are raised of a potential health risk.

From BBC ● 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

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