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

The proposed sanctuary will protect over 200 shipwrecks, along with a diverse ecosystem featuring wildlife such as sea otters, humpback whales, leatherback sea turtles and lush kelp forests.

From Salon

Using the crossbow and a drone, the researchers will carry out up-close health checks on every humpback whale they can find, to work out if these massive mammals are getting enough to eat.

From BBC

A juvenile humpback whale is freed from entanglement — fishing equipment had been tightly wrapped around its tail — off the coast of Dana Point.

From Los Angeles Times

Video shows how a humpback whale suddenly appeared out of the water before flipping over a small, 23-foot vessel.

From BBC

After a week of tracking and near-misses, a crew from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration freed the juvenile humpback whale Friday.

From Los Angeles Times