Whale: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
whale
[ weษชl ]
marine animal
A whale is a large marine mammal that belongs to the order Cetacea. Whales are known for their size, some species being among the largest animals to have ever existed. They are warm-blooded, breathe air through lungs, and are known for their complex behaviors and vocalizations.
Synonyms
cetacean, marine mammal, sea creature
Examples of usage
- The blue whale is the largest animal on the planet.
- Whales can often be seen breaching the surface of the ocean.
- Many cultures have rich histories of whaling.
- Whale watching has become a popular tourist activity.
- Some whales, like the humpback, are known for their songs.
Translations
Translations of the word "whale" in other languages:
๐ต๐น baleia
๐ฎ๐ณ เคตเฅเคนเฅเคฒ
๐ฉ๐ช Wal
๐ฎ๐ฉ paus
๐บ๐ฆ ะบะธั
๐ต๐ฑ wieloryb
๐ฏ๐ต ใฏใธใฉ
๐ซ๐ท baleine
๐ช๐ธ ballena
๐น๐ท balina
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ณ ๋
๐ธ๐ฆ ุญูุช
๐จ๐ฟ velryba
๐ธ๐ฐ velryba
๐จ๐ณ ้ฒธ้ฑผ
๐ธ๐ฎ kit
๐ฎ๐ธ hvalur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะบะธั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแฎแขแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ balina
๐ฒ๐ฝ ballena
Word origin
The word 'whale' comes from the Old English word 'hwรฆl', which is derived from the Proto-Germanic '*hwalaz'. This term has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as 'Wahl' in German and 'wal' in Dutch, all referring to the same marine animal. Whales have been known to humanity for thousands of years, and they have played significant roles in various cultures, from mythology to early hunting practices. Over time, the term 'whale' has been used to describe a diverse group of large marine mammals, which includes species like the orca, beluga, and sperm whale. The study of whales, known as cetology, has expanded significantly over the last century, leading to a greater understanding of their behaviors, communication, and the threats they face due to human activities.