Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

whale louse

noun

Definition of whale louse

1 : any of several degenerate amphipod crustaceans (genus Cyamus) parasitic on cetaceans
2 : whale barnacle

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Learn More about whale louse

Dictionary Entries near whale louse

whalehide

whale iron

whale line

whale louse

whaleman

whale oil

whaler

Statistics for whale louse

Look-up Popularity

Comments on whale louse

What made you want to look up whale louse? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

inexorable

Listen to the pronounciation of inexorable

not to be persuaded, moved, or stopped

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Latin Quiz

  • roman forum
  • Which of the following months comes from a Latin word for “ten”?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Citation

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games