whale
word
/ˈhweɪɫ/
wayl
/wˈeɪl/
wayl
Definition
A whale is a very large sea mammal that lives in the ocean and breathes air. Some whales eat tiny sea animals, while others eat larger prey.
Usage & Nuances
Use 'whale' for the animal; 'a whale' is countable, and 'whales' is the plural. Common combinations include 'blue whale', 'killer whale', and 'whale watching'. Do not confuse it with 'fish'—a whale is a mammal, not a fish.
Spanish: ballenaPortuguese (BR): baleiaPortuguese (PT): baleiaChinese (Simplified): 鲸Chinese (Traditional): 鯨Hindi: व्हेल - तिमिArabic: حوتBengali: তিমিRussian: китJapanese: クジラVietnamese: cá voiKorean: 고래Turkish: balinaUrdu: وہیلIndonesian: paus
Example Sentences
We saw a whale at the aquarium.
basic
A blue whale is very large.
basic
The whale came up for air.
basic
We booked a boat tour and got lucky—we actually saw a whale.
natural
That splash was huge—do you think it was a whale?
natural
I've always wanted to see a whale in the wild, not just on TV.
natural