right whale

noun

1. any of several large whalebone whales of the genus Balaena, of circumpolar seas: the species B. glacialis is greatly reduced in numbers.

right whale

noun

1. any large whalebone whale of the family Balaenidae. They are grey or black, have a large head, and, in most, no dorsal fin, and are hunted as a source of whalebone and oil See also bowhead

Word History and Origins

Origin of right whale¹

First recorded in 1715–25; allegedly so called because it was the “right” whale to hunt, alluding to its relative buoyancy when killed, proximity to land, the value of its blubber, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of right whale¹

C19: perhaps so named because it was right for hunting

Example Sentences

An 1889 whaling travelogue recounts the sounds made by right whales and humpbacks note by note.

From Salon

One study of Southern right whales - that feed on krill, then migrate to the South African coast to give birth - showed that the animals are 20% thinner compared to 30 years ago.

From BBC

SAN JOSE, Calif. — In an extraordinary sighting, a critically endangered North Pacific right whale was spotted off the Marin County coast on Friday, thrilling scientists.

From Seattle Times

Most of those whales were humpback and North Atlantic right whales, he added, noting that it was more uncommon to come across a sei whale.

From New York Times

On the east coast, the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale is especially threatened by ship strikes.

From Science Magazine