grampus

noun

gram·​pus ˈgram-pəs How to pronounce grampus (audio)
1
b
: any of various other small cetaceans (such as the killer whale or pilot whale)
2
: the giant whip scorpion (Mastigoproctus giganteus) of the southern U.S.

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English graspey, grapay, from Anglo-French graspeis, from gras fat (from Latin crassus) + peis fish, from Latin piscis — more at crass, fish

First Known Use

circa 1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of grampus was circa 1529

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Cite this Entry

“Grampus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grampus. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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