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.
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 For example, humpbacks gestured with their pectoral fins toward dolphins on 172 occasions. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 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 29 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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