Definition of dolphin
1a : 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 ◆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 family Platanistidae)
2 : dolphinfish
3 capitalized : 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
Explore Merriam-Webster
Recent Examples of dolphin from the Web
-
Elaine Thompson Associated Press Orcas: Common and unique Orcas really are an oceanic dolphin, not whales, and are found in every ocean.
-
Lots of dolphin were biting anywhere from 80-1,200 feet.
-
The Department of Interior has acknowledged in the past that such sonic blasts might affect the feeding, migration or other behavior of whales and dolphins.
-
My backward dolphin roll and undulating mermaid swim aren’t exactly dazzling with a tail slipping below the waist.
-
Here, the only sounds are those of nature: crashing waves, rustling sea oats, shore birds calling to one other and bottlenose dolphins splashing in the shallows.
-
Meanwhile, back at Elgol, morning or afternoon strolls will likely be accompanied by dolphin, otter, and eagle sightings; and just over the A87 bridge from Skye lies Plockton, arguably the most charming town in the country.
-
Even today, the ocean around South Georgia is rife with whales, dolphins, and other wildlife.
-
In 2001, a bottlenose dolphin calf with two beaks was caught in the Mediterranean sea, but it was partially decomposed.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dolphin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Illustration of dolphin
Origin and Etymology of dolphin
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
DOLPHIN Defined for English Language Learners
dolphin
playDefinition of dolphin for English Language Learners
-
: a small usually gray whale that has a pointed nose
DOLPHIN Defined for Kids
dolphin
playDefinition of dolphin for Students
1 : a small whale with teeth and a long nose
2 : either of two large fish usually of warm seas that are often used for food
Learn More about dolphin
-
Spanish Central: Translation of dolphin Nglish: Translation of dolphin for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of dolphin for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dolphin
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up dolphin? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!