humpback

noun

hump·​back ˈhəmp-ˌbak How to pronounce humpback (audio)
for sense 1 also
-ˈbak How to pronounce humpback (audio)
plural humpbacks
1
: a humped or crooked back
also : kyphosis
2
dated, offensive : a person with a humpback
3
4

Examples of humpback 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.
Witnessing a breaching humpback or Blue and Fin whales is a highlight of any UnCruise adventure. Uncruise Adventures, AFAR Media, 3 Sep. 2025 Between November and February, whale watching tours head into the fjords to spot humpback and killer whales feeding in numbers. David Nikel, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025 For example, humpbacks gestured with their pectoral fins toward dolphins on 172 occasions. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 13 Aug. 2025 The whales belonged to six baleen species, with humpbacks making up over two-thirds of sightings. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for humpback

Word History

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of humpback was in 1697

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Humpback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humpback. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

humpback

noun
hump·​back ˈhəmp-ˌbak How to pronounce humpback (audio)
1
: a humped or crooked back
2
3
humpbacked
-ˈbakt
adjective

Medical Definition

humpback

noun
hump·​back
-ˌbak, for 1 also -ˈbak
: a humped or crooked back
also : kyphosis
humpbacked adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on humpback

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