gray whale
noun
: a large baleen whale (Eschrichtius robustus) of the northern Pacific having short jaws and no dorsal fin
Examples of gray whale in a Sentence
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In spring, the gray whales head north again, fin whales become more abundant, and orcas populate Northern California waters.
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Alanna Bennett, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Apr. 2026
While the full scope of the issue is still unfolding, researchers warn that the recent deaths may point to a larger ecological imbalance, as gray whales are often considered indicators of ocean health, and their struggles could signal broader changes in Earth's marine ecosystems.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
But the extremely low numbers of calves in recent years suggest the gray whales aren’t recovering as quickly this time, and that worries scientists.
—Daniel Crocker, The Conversation, 13 Apr. 2026
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries agency declared an unusual mortality event for eastern gray whales — meaning those in the eastern Pacific — from late 2018 to late 2023.
—ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
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Alanna Bennett, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Apr. 2026
While the full scope of the issue is still unfolding, researchers warn that the recent deaths may point to a larger ecological imbalance, as gray whales are often considered indicators of ocean health, and their struggles could signal broader changes in Earth's marine ecosystems.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
But the extremely low numbers of calves in recent years suggest the gray whales aren’t recovering as quickly this time, and that worries scientists.
—Daniel Crocker, The Conversation, 13 Apr. 2026
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries agency declared an unusual mortality event for eastern gray whales — meaning those in the eastern Pacific — from late 2018 to late 2023.
—ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gray whale
Cite this Entry
“Gray whale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gray%20whale. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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