humpback whale

noun

: a large baleen whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) that is black above and white below and has very long flippers and fleshy tubercles along the snout

Illustration of humpback whale

Examples of humpback whale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Each year from January through March, humpback whales migrate to Samaná Bay to mate and give birth, and local boats bring visitors out to see them up close. —Annie Daly, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026

During this four- to five-mile run—depending on your exact starting point—sights will include gorgeous homes, turquoise waters, lovely city parks, and perhaps even some humpback whale sightings. —Kristine Thomason, Outside, 9 Mar. 2026

Cruise passengers may also see fin or humpback whales plus Common dolphins. —Holly Andres, Daily News, 5 Mar. 2026

Visit between mid-January and late March and your family might be treated to a humpback whale sighting during migration season. —Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1726, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for humpback whale

• abigail
• cottontail
• countervail
• fingernail
• martingale
• mesoscale
• microscale
• monorail
• nanoscale
• ponytail
• swallowtail
• wensleydale

Kids Definition

humpback whale

noun

: a large baleen whale that is black above and white below and has very long flippers