humpback whale

[huhmp-bak hweyl, weyl]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of humpback whale¹

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

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

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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.

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

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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.

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"Whether it's sailing alongside humpback whales, or receiving greetings by fishermen on the Fiji islands, my boats allow me to sail… with strength and safety."

Read more on BBC