beluga

noun be·lu·ga \ bə-ˈlü-gə \

|Updated on: 11 Aug 2018

Definition of beluga

1 : a large white sturgeon (Huso huso synonym Acipenser huso) of the Black Sea, Caspian Sea, and their tributaries; also : caviar processed from beluga roe — compare osetra, sevruga

[Russian belukha, from belyĭ]

: a toothed whale (Delphinapterus leucas) of arctic and subarctic waters having a fusiform body that is about 10 to 15 feet (3.0 to 5.0 meters) long and white when mature — called also white whale

See beluga defined for kids

Recent Examples of beluga from the Web

Thousands of beluga whales migrate into the Churchill River in Manitoba in July and August to feed and give birth.

— rosemary mcclure, latimes.com, "See beluga whales in a Canadian town known for its polar bear excursions," 11 July 2018
Visitors can experience beluga watching and listen to their songs by boat, kayak or, for the more adventurous, on a snorkeling or paddle board adventure.

— rosemary mcclure, latimes.com, "See beluga whales in a Canadian town known for its polar bear excursions," 11 July 2018
Kivalina residents are in high spirits this summer after a successful beluga harvest.

— Anchorage Daily News, "Kivalina enjoys rare beluga whale harvest," 7 July 2018
Researchers said both were unlikely and turned their attention to beluga teeth.

— Washington Post, "Research shows diet shift of beluga whales in Alaska inlet," 17 June 2018
Narwhals and beluga whales could be especially vulnerable because of their exposure to ships and their sensitivity to disturbances, according to a study published yesterday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

— adam aton, Scientific American, "Ships Threaten Arctic Marine Mammals," 3 July 2018
Frozen vodka at Siberia Bar is also good, particularly if a cook from one of the big hotels shows up with beluga.

— michelle weber, Longreads, "Anthony Bourdain: 1956-2018," 9 June 2018
Subsistence hunting of smaller beluga whales is allowed in the region.

— Washington Post, "APNewsBreak: US won’t prosecute Alaska gray whale kill," 8 June 2018
Later, stop by Mystic Aquarium to see some of North America’s only beluga whales.

— laura kiniry, Smithsonian, "The 20 Best Small Towns To Visit in 2018," 5 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'beluga.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.