walrus

noun wal·rus \ ˈwȯl-rəs , ˈwäl- \

Definition of walrus

plural walrus or walruses

:a large gregarious marine mammal (Odobenus rosmarus of the family Odobenidae) of arctic waters related to the seals that has limbs modified into webbed flippers, long ivory tusks, a tough wrinkled hide, stiff whiskers, and a thick layer of blubber

Note: The male walrus may reach a weight of over 3700 pounds (1678 kilograms). Walrus typically inhabit moving pack ice and usually feed on organisms (such as clams and mussels) living on or near the ocean's bottom. Walrus of the northern Atlantic are considered a separate subspecies (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) from the somewhat larger northern Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens).

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Recent Examples of walrus from the Web

The agency says several hundred walruses were spotted in early August on a barrier island near the village of Point Lay.

— dan joling, The Seattle Times, "Loss of sea ice leads walruses to early appearance in Alaska," 16 Aug. 2017
The baby walrus born at SeaWorld Orlando this summer now has an official name.

— dewayne bevil, OrlandoSentinel.com, "SeaWorld's baby walrus will be called Ginger," 16 Aug. 2017
Using an acoustic recorder, and between sounds of killer whales and walrus, Ms. Crance picked up faint calls of a right whale east of Bristol Bay, Alaska.

— dan joling, The Christian Science Monitor, "Scientists celebrate rare sighting of endangered whales in Bering Sea," 11 Aug. 2017
Haithabu was a key stop on a lively sea trade route that brought tasty treats and trinkets like walrus tusks from distant lands.

— annalee newitz, Ars Technica, "1,000-year-old German dinner reveals long-distance Viking trade routes," 7 Aug. 2017
However, among the 241 trichinosis cases reported in Alaska since 1975, 24 were associated with eating undercooked seal and 100 were tied to walrus.

— dan joling, The Seattle Times, "How do you like your walrus? Well done is best amid trichinosis outbreak," 7 July 2017
However, among the 241 trichinosis cases reported in Alaska since 1975, 24 were associated with eating undercooked seal and 100 were tied to walrus.

— CBS News, "Please cook your walrus "well done," warn health officials following outbreak," 7 July 2017
The walrus was still on the barge the next morning and the barge crew summoned wildlife experts.

— Washington Post, "Rx for orphan walrus calf: touch, massage, cuddle, repeat," 7 July 2017
Many residents of coastal communities in northern and western Alaska consume walrus and other marine mammals as part of subsistence hunting, or hunting for survival.

— daniella emanuel, CNN, "Use caution eating walrus meat in Alaska, report urges," 7 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'walrus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of walrus

Dutch, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish & Norwegian hvalros walrus, Old Norse rosmhvalr

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First Known Use: 1728

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WALRUS Defined for English Language Learners

walrus

noun

Definition of walrus for English Language Learners

: a large animal that lives on land and in the sea in northern regions and that has flippers and long tusks

WALRUS Defined for Kids

walrus

noun wal·rus \ ˈwȯl-rəs \

Definition of walrus for Students

:a large animal of northern seas that is related to the seal and has long ivory tusks, a tough wrinkled hide, and flippers used in swimming, diving, and moving about on land