plural whales
often attributive
1
or plural whale
: any of various very large, aquatic, marine mammals (order Cetacea) that have a torpedo-shaped body with a thick layer of blubber, paddle-shaped forelimbs but no hind limbs, a horizontally flattened tail, and nostrils that open externally at the top of the head
also
: cetacean see baleen whale, toothed whale
2
: one that is impressive especially in size
a whale of a difference
a whale of a good time
whaled; whaling
Examples of whale in a Sentence
Noun
a whale of a pickup truck
Verb (2)
whaled the ball so hard that it sailed over the fence and into the neighbor's yard
whaled the rug with a broom to knock the dirt out of it
mercilessly whaled the pickpocket for stealing from her purse
Recent Examples on the Web
Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026
To adapt to water’s high thermal conductivity, the largest living animals, whales, evolved a streamlined, heat-conserving body that reduces their surface area relative to their volume.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Apr. 2026
According to the team, the event is even more incredible knowing that the whales were congregating far before the peak migration period usually spanning March and April.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 8 Apr. 2026
In the clip of the close encounter, Sterman watches back in amazement as the whale continues to breach, its tail creating ripples through the North Pacific Ocean.
—Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for whale
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Noun
The attraction will continue to have real arctic animals such as walruses and beluga whales on exhibit as part of its exit.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026
To adapt to water’s high thermal conductivity, the largest living animals, whales, evolved a streamlined, heat-conserving body that reduces their surface area relative to their volume.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Apr. 2026
According to the team, the event is even more incredible knowing that the whales were congregating far before the peak migration period usually spanning March and April.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 8 Apr. 2026
In the clip of the close encounter, Sterman watches back in amazement as the whale continues to breach, its tail creating ripples through the North Pacific Ocean.
—Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for whale
Cite this Entry
“Whale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whale. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
whale
1 of 3 noun
ˈhwā(ə)l 
ˈwā(ə)l
plural whales or whale
1
: a water-dwelling mammal (as a humpback whale or a killer whale) that is a cetacean of usually very large size with a torpedo-shaped body, front limbs modified into flippers but no hind limbs, and a tail flattened and extended to the sides as flukes and that usually breathes through an opening on top of the head compare baleen whale, toothed whale
2
: something large enough to catch attention
it made a whale of a difference
whale
2 of 3 verb
whaled; whaling
: to hunt whales
Etymology
Noun
Old English hwæl "whale"
Verb
origin unknown
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