white whale

noun

1. beluga.

white whale

noun

1. Also called: beluga. a small white toothed whale, Delphinapterus leucas, of northern waters: family Monodontidae

Word History and Origins

Origin of white whale¹

First recorded in 1680–90

Example Sentences

His final reward for risking everything for a raise is a shot to the dome right after Cassian, his white whale, looks him in the eye and doesn't recognize him.

From Salon

Taking Pyongyang’s nuclear program off the board is Trump’s proverbial white whale, a feat that none of his predecessors managed to accomplish.

From Los Angeles Times

The Oilers have clearly become the Kings’ white whale, the foe who must be vanquished.

From Los Angeles Times

But those programs are the right's great white whale and I wouldn't be surprised if they make another attempt to finally kill them.

From Salon

The tame white whale, which locals named Hvaldimir, made headlines five years ago amidst widespread speculation that it was a Russian spy.

From BBC