fin whale

noun

: a baleen whale (Balaenoptera physalus) that may attain a length of over 70 feet (21 meters) and is found chiefly in subtropical to arctic and antarctic waters worldwide

called also finback

Illustration of fin whale

Illustration of fin whale

Examples of fin whale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This includes killer whales, humpbacks and fin whales. Ari Daniel, NPR, 11 June 2025 Elevated viewpoints like the Point Reyes Lighthouse, the end of the Chimney Rock Trail and the Tomales Point Trail provide ideal vantage points for spotting migrating humpback, blue and fin whales, or the resident minke whales and orcas. Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025 While humpbacks prefer the fjords of West Greenland, minke and fin whales seem to enjoy the ice-free waters of South Greenland—and all three are present in the icy waters of East Greenland. Katherine Alex Beaven, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 May 2025 Groups throughout the day were able to see 10 fin whales, a pod of bottlenose dolphins and another pod of common dolphins, the post said. Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fin whale

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fin whale was in 1885

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Cite this Entry

“Fin whale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fin%20whale. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

fin whale

noun
: a baleen whale that may reach a length of over 70 feet (21 meters)

More from Merriam-Webster on fin whale

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