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.
On that Thursday in early fall, the 40-foot wayward adult humpback male took a wrong turn on his migration from Alaska to Mexico and was spotted near Oakland’s Outer Harbor. Helen Harlan, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025 Then, moments later, a smaller whale, the other humpback's calf, mimics the motion. Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025 That, along with the currents and topography of the area, provides a plethora of small fish, which in turn draws a variety of whale species, including minke, fin, humpback, and even beluga whales. Rebecca Deurlein, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 Witnessing a breaching humpback or Blue and Fin whales is a highlight of any UnCruise adventure. Uncruise Adventures, AFAR Media, 3 Sep. 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 17 Oct. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!