walrus

noun

wal·​rus ˈwȯl-rəs 

ˈwäl-

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).

Examples of walrus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Obama broke down the Pacific Ocean's humpback whales and their migration process and explained how walruses in the Arctic Ocean were coping with climate change, while also making sure to hit the Indian, Southern and Atlantic Oceans in the process. —Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025

In Svalbard, visitors can also spot walruses, appreciate incredible icy scenery, and look for the northern lights if there is solar activity and the weather is cooperating. —Kristen Pope, AFAR Media, 27 Aug. 2025

Departing from Longyearbyen, Svalbard, guests will journey through fjords and remote islands in search of polar bears, walruses, reindeer, Arctic foxes, and whales in their natural habitat. —India Brown, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2025

Guests will primarily explore Alexandra Fiord, and get the chance to see musk oxen, polar bears, walruses and more. —Nathan Diller, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1728, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

walrus

noun

wal·​rus ˈwȯl-rəs 

ˈwäl-

plural walrus or walruses

: a large mammal of cold northern seas that is related to the seals and has long ivory tusks, a tough wrinkled hide with a thick layer of blubber below, stiff whiskers, and flippers used in swimming, diving, and moving about on land