humpback

noun

hump·​back ˈhəmp-ˌbak 

for sense 1 also

-ˈbak 

plural humpbacks

1

: a humped or crooked back

also : kyphosis

2

dated, offensive : a person with a humpback

3

: humpback whale

4

: pink salmon

Examples of humpback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While it is believed that the whales and fish have a mutually beneficial relationship, Meynecke was not as sure that the humpbacks were enjoying the tagalongs. —Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025

As the humpback plunges back below the surface the remoras, also known as sucker fish, return to the whale, sticking their landings with the timing and precision of Olympic gymnasts. —CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025

This naturally occurring low-oxygen zone is on one of the migration routes for humpback and grey whales that travel between Hawaii and Alaska. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 29 Oct. 2025

Migaloo belongs to the east Australian humpback population, which was believed to number around 17,000 in 2012. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for humpback

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback

Kids Definition

humpback

noun

hump·​back ˈhəmp-ˌbak 

1

: a humped or crooked back

2

: hunchback sense 1

3

: humpback whale

humpbacked

-ˈbakt

adjective

Medical Definition

humpback

noun

hump·​back

-ˌbak, for 1 also -ˈbak

: a humped or crooked back

also : kyphosis

humpbacked

-ˈbakt 

adjective