dolphin

noun

dol·​phin ˈdäl-fən 

ˈdȯl-

1

a

: any of various small marine toothed whales (family Delphinidae) with the snout more or less elongated into a beak and the neck vertebrae partially fused

Note: While not closely related, dolphins and porpoises share a physical resemblance that often leads to misidentification. Dolphins typically have cone-shaped teeth, curved dorsal fins, and elongated beaks with large mouths, while porpoises have flat, spade-shaped teeth, triangular dorsal fins, and shortened beaks with smaller mouths.

b

: any of several related chiefly freshwater toothed whales (as of the families Platanistidae and Iniidae) : river dolphin

2

: dolphinfish

3

Dolphin : delphinus

4

: a spar or buoy for mooring boats

also : a cluster of closely driven piles used as a fender for a dock or as a mooring or guide for boats

Illustration of dolphin

• dolphin 1a

Examples of dolphin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

From toucans and monkeys to manatees, dolphins, rays, and more, the wildlife in Belize is certain to keep the entire family entertained. —Patricia Johnson, Travel + Leisure, 26 Dec. 2025

This virus can cause immunosuppression and severe disease in cetaceans–whales, dolphins and porpoises–and has caused several mass die-offs in these animals. —Juana Summers, NPR, 26 Dec. 2025

This natural formation of limestone rocks is a popular place to look for fish and other marine life, including dolphins. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2025

Since its discovery in 1987, cetacean morbillivirus has emerged as a lethal threat to marine life, causing devastating respiratory, neurological, and immune system failure in whales, dolphins, and porpoises. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English delphyn, dolphyn, from Anglo-French delphin, alteration of Old French dalfin, from Medieval Latin dalfinus, alteration of Latin delphinus, from Greek delphin-, delphis; akin to Greek delphys womb, Sanskrit garbha

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing dolphin

• bottle-nosed dolphin
• bottlenose dolphin
• dolphin striker
• Risso's dolphin
• river dolphin
• spinner dolphin

Kids Definition

dolphin

noun

dol·​phin ˈdäl-fən 

ˈdȯl-

1

a

: any of various small whales with teeth and a long nose

b

: porpoise sense 1

2

: either of two active saltwater food fishes noted for their brilliant coloring