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

The sad saga of a humpback whale stranded a month ago on the German coast has sparked a flood of compassion but also a media frenzy, angry spats, conspiracy theories and death threats.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

A humpback whale stranded on Germany's Baltic Sea coast since early this week has freed itself and swum into deeper waters, rescuers said Friday.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

The study placed humpback whale bones on the deep ocean floor and monitored them for signs of life.

From Science Daily • Dec. 28, 2025

A humpback whale has made one of the longest and most unusual migrations ever recorded, possibly driven by climate change, scientists say.

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2024

The recorded songs of the humpback whale, filled with tensions and resolutions, ambiguities and allusions, incomplete, can be listened to as a part of music, like an isolated section of an orchestra.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas