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Definition of common dolphin

common dolphin

Plural:common dolphins
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common dolphin Lexical Profile

• noun

1

A widely distributed, highly social marine mammal (genus Delphinus) found in warm-temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, characterized by a dark back, white belly, and a distinctive yellowish or light grey hourglass color pattern on its sides.

Example

"During our boat tour off the coast of California, we watched a massive pod of common dolphins leaping through the surf."

• Nearby Words

common boxwood
common carp
common death adder
common dolphin
common elderberry
common garter snake
common grackle

Word Origin & Etymology

The name reflects the historical abundance and widespread distribution of these dolphins across the world's oceans, distinguishing them from rarer or more geographically restricted species.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Common dolphin. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/common dolphin
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