Illustration of fin whale
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
Examples of fin whale in a Sentence
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Milstein says the fin whale population off the West Coast is now estimated to be at least 8,000, and that the animal has become an increasingly common sight for whale watchers in Southern California in recent years.
—
Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026
Most likely, just like the fin whales, the blue whales are here to feast, with abundant krill off the coast.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2026
In spring, the gray whales head north again, fin whales become more abundant, and orcas populate Northern California waters.
—Alanna Bennett, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Apr. 2026
During the survey over the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, the researchers spotted more than 300 animals, including three endangered fin whales, three endangered sperm whales, 50 pilot whales and hundreds of dolphins.
—Neal Riley, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
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Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026
Most likely, just like the fin whales, the blue whales are here to feast, with abundant krill off the coast.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2026
In spring, the gray whales head north again, fin whales become more abundant, and orcas populate Northern California waters.
—Alanna Bennett, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Apr. 2026
During the survey over the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, the researchers spotted more than 300 animals, including three endangered fin whales, three endangered sperm whales, 50 pilot whales and hundreds of dolphins.
—Neal Riley, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fin whale
Cite this Entry
“Fin whale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fin%20whale. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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