: 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
2
[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 alsowhite whale
Illustration of beluga
beluga 2
Examples of beluga in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the WebIn the beluga, however, the melon also seems to have another use.—Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 2 May 2024 The findings are not exclusive to the beluga whales at Mystic Aquarium, as the same five head shapes have also been documented among belugas in Canada.—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 2 May 2024 The beluga also knew how to closely follow boats and had a habit of wrapping rope around propellers, which could suggest specialized training.—Ferris Jabr, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2024 Several people responded to the Instagram post with fond memories of the beluga.—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Dec. 2023 See all Example Sentences for beluga
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'beluga.' 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
Russian, from belyĭ white; akin to Greek phalios having a white spot — more at bald
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