dolphin

noun

dol·phin | \ ˈdäl-fən

, ˈdȯl-\

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

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

Examples of dolphin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Even better, the Russian military learned the technology from dolphins, which are naturally psychic. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Journal Claims Russian Troops Have Psychic Powers," 4 Apr. 2019 This preservation association rescues and rehabilitates sea turtles, pink dolphins, and the like. — Laird Borrelli-persson, Vogue, "An Insider’s Guide to Atins, a Hidden Paradise on the Northeast Coast of Brazil," 18 Jan. 2019 Indeed, there is evidence that many cetaceans—that is, whales, dolphins and porpoises—have strong and complicated family and social ties. — Alison Gopnik, WSJ, "Like Us, Whales May Be Smart Because They’re Social," 16 Aug. 2018 Researchers believe this particular red tide occurrence — which has been building since last fall — is responsible for the deaths of at least 12 dolphins, more than 150 sea turtles, and a 26-foot whale shark, NPR reported. — Jewel Wicker, Teen Vogue, "Florida’s Red Tide is Killing Hundreds of Sea Animals," 16 Aug. 2018 The 1969 play is also about a female custodian who tries to free a sea creature -- a dolphin, in this case -- from a laboratory using animals as weapons. — Sonia Rao, chicagotribune.com, "'Stranger Things' creators deny accusation of stealing the show's premise," 4 Apr. 2018 At the bridge, watch for basking sharks, porpoises, and dolphins. — Jamie Moore, USA TODAY, "The world’s 10 most amazing suspension bridges," 26 Apr. 2018 Jim Lasher, a chef at Home Team BBQ on Sullivan’s Island, was enjoying dolphin (mahi-mahi) fishing with co-workers and friend Capt. — Joe Marusak, charlotteobserver, "These fishermen showed no mercy to their record-sized grouper: They ate the monster. | Charlotte Observer," 9 May 2018 There are also seasonal dolphin and whale watching tours. — Donna M. Owens, baltimoresun.com, "Virginia Beach: Where to take the kids and what to check out this summer," 9 May 2018

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.