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Definition of humpback whale

humpback whale

Plural:humpback whales
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humpback whale Lexical Profile

• noun

1

A large species of baleen whale found in oceans and seas globally, characterized by its long pectoral fins, knobbly head, and complex vocalizations known as whale songs.

Example

"During our boat tour off the coast of Alaska, we watched a massive humpback whale breach dramatically from the icy water."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for humpback whale

• Nearby Words

hummingbird
hummus
hump-nosed viper
humpback whale
humphead wrasse
humus
hundred pacer

Word Origin & Etymology

The common name derives from the distinctive hump that is accentuated on the animal's back when it arches its body to initiate a deep dive.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Humpback whale. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/humpback whale
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