sperm whale

noun

ˈspərm- 

: a very large toothed whale (Physeter macrocephalus synonym P. catodon) that has large conical teeth in the lower jaw, a single blowhole, and a massive squarish head with a closed cavity containing a fluid mixture of spermaceti and oil, and that may reach a length in the male of nearly 60 feet (18.3 meters)

Illustration of sperm whale

Examples of sperm whale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The observation off Dominica provided researchers with an unprecedented window into the social and vocal behaviors of sperm whales during one of the most vulnerable moments in a calf’s life. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026

For sperm whales, the record is even sparser. —Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Apr. 2026

But each observation adds to a growing body of knowledge about sperm whales’ lives and habits. —Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026

Using the video footage, machine learning and years of field observations, the scientists were able to identify the birth mother as a sperm whale named Rounder. —Nathan Rott, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

short for spermaceti whale

First Known Use

circa 1700, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sperm whale

• airmail
• assail
• avail
• bewail
• blackmail
• cattail
• cocktail
• curtail
• derail
• detail
• dovetail
• email

Kids Definition

sperm whale

noun

: a large toothed whale with a large chamber in the skull that contains a fluid mixture of spermaceti and oil