whale
whale Lexical Profile
whale Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A very large, aquatic marine mammal belonging to the order Cetacea, characterized by a streamlined hairless body, a horizontal tail fin, and a blowhole on the top of its head for breathing.
"During the coastal boat tour, the researchers were thrilled to observe a massive blue whale breach the surface of the ocean."
A person or entity possessing vast financial resources, particularly an investor who makes massive market trades or a patron who spends unusually large sums of money at a casino or in an application.
"The luxury resort offered complimentary penthouse suites to attract whales who routinely wagered millions of dollars."
• verb
To hunt or catch whales, typically for their oil, meat, or bone.
"In the nineteenth century, many robust ships sailed from New England ports to whale in the treacherous waters of the Pacific Ocean."
North American To strike or hit vigorously and repeatedly.
"The frustrated boxer began to whale on his opponent with a flurry of heavy punches against the ropes."
Word Nuance & Usage
The colloquial verb 'whale' (to strike repeatedly, often in the phrase 'whale on') is frequently confused with its homophone 'wail' (to cry out loudly).
• Rhymes for whale
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'hwæl', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'walvis' and German 'Wal'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.