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

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

Illustration of dolphin

• dolphin 1a

Examples of dolphin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Beginning in February, hundreds of dolphins and sea lions started washing up on California beaches, either dead or suffering neurotoxin poisoning symptoms such as aggression, lethargy and seizures. —Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025

Yes, there are stereotypical Flipper-like bottlenose dolphins around, but not as many as common dolphins, who also have a bottle-like nose, but different coloring, including a yellow streak along the side. —A.k. Whitney, Oc Register, 4 June 2025

When did Barfield begin poisoning and shooting dolphins? —Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 28 May 2025

Some of the optional excursions include visiting a gator ranch, spending time on a Biloxi shrimp boat, a dolphin cruise, and kayaking. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 27 May 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