sperm whale

noun

: 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

Illustration of sperm whale

Examples of sperm whale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But sperm whale scientists like Gero have long wondered what these clicks mean. Rebecca Ramirez, NPR, 20 May 2024 Belugas belong to a group known as toothed whales, which also includes orcas, dolphins and sperm whales—and all members of this group have melons. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for sperm whale 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sperm whale.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

short for spermaceti whale

First Known Use

circa 1700, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sperm whale was circa 1700

Dictionary Entries Near sperm whale

Cite this Entry

“Sperm whale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sperm%20whale. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sperm whale

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