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Translate files Whale
/weɪl/
Meaning & Definition
noun
A very large marine mammal belonging to the order Cetacea, which includes both whales and dolphins, characterized by breathing air through a blowhole.
The blue whale is the largest animal known to have ever existed.
Any of various species of large aquatic mammals that are known for their intelligence and social behavior.
Scientists are still learning about the complex social structures of orcas, also known as killer whales.
A person or thing of immense size or importance.
He is a whale in the business world, making multi-million dollar deals.
verb
To hunt or catch whales.
Whalers used to sail the oceans in search of the great leviathans.
To move or act with strength, especially in a powerful manner.
The team whaled on their rivals, securing a strong victory.
Etymology
From Old English 'hwæl', related to Dutch 'walvis' and German 'Walfisch'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
whale of a time
A very enjoyable time.
white whale
An obsession or something one pursues obsessively despite repeated failures.
Related Words
cetacean
A member of the order Cetacea, which includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
marine mammal
A mammal that is primarily adapted to life in the ocean.
Slang Meanings
A person who spends a great deal of money in a casino.
He’s a whale at the poker table, always betting big.
To do something in a huge, overwhelming way.
They decided to whale the project out before the deadline.