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

Zodiac wildlife tours go out regardless of weather; on ours, a humpback, a mother-and-calf gray whale, an orca, and otters clapping their paws like an audience all made an appearance. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Sep. 2026

The most famous example was Humphrey the humpback in 1985, whose trip to the Delta culminated in a high-stakes rescue by researchers and government agencies. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 23 Sep. 2026

The humpback was caught on video spouting water while swimming close to shore. — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026

By 1985, some humpback populations had been reduced by over 95%, according to Shark Stewards, a nonprofit. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for humpback

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

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