Illustration of humpback whale
humpback whale
noun
: a large baleen whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) that is black above and white below and has very long flippers and fleshy tubercles along the snout
Examples of humpback whale in a Sentence
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The Central Coast park boasts stunning views of crystal blue waters, more than a dozen trails to explore, and the chance to spot gray or humpback whales.
—
Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2026
The young humpback whale that first captured the internet's attention after becoming stranded in shallow waters of the Baltic Sea off the coast of Germany, eventually launching an expensive and complex rescue effort, was found dead on Friday, May 15.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 26 May 2026
During migration season – which goes from December to March – humpback whales move through Banderas Bay, and witnessing them from the water feels almost surreal.
—Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
As offshore waters warm, humpback whales are increasingly following that prey closer to shore, where California’s Dungeness crab fishery operates.
—ABC News, 20 May 2026
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Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2026
The young humpback whale that first captured the internet's attention after becoming stranded in shallow waters of the Baltic Sea off the coast of Germany, eventually launching an expensive and complex rescue effort, was found dead on Friday, May 15.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 26 May 2026
During migration season – which goes from December to March – humpback whales move through Banderas Bay, and witnessing them from the water feels almost surreal.
—Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
As offshore waters warm, humpback whales are increasingly following that prey closer to shore, where California’s Dungeness crab fishery operates.
—ABC News, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for humpback whale
Cite this Entry
“Humpback whale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humpback%20whale. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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