Whaler: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
whaler
[ หweษชlษr ]
occupation, marine
A whaler is a person or vessel engaged in the hunting of whales for their oil, meat, or other products. Historically, whalers were significant in the 18th and 19th centuries, as whale oil was a crucial source of lighting and lubricant. The industry has drastically reduced due to overhunting and international bans on whaling, but some regions still engage in whaling under regulated conditions. Whalers often used large ships called whaling boats, equipped with harpoons and other specialized equipment to capture and process whales.
Synonyms
fisherman, whaling crew, whaling ship.
Examples of usage
- The whaler returned with a large catch of oil.
- Whalers used to sail for months in search of their prey.
- Many whalers learned their trade from older generations.
- The life of a whaler was fraught with danger and hardship.
Translations
Translations of the word "whaler" in other languages:
๐ต๐น baleieiro
๐ฎ๐ณ เคตเฅเคนเฅเคฒเคฐ
๐ฉ๐ช Walfรคnger
๐ฎ๐ฉ pemburu ikan paus
๐บ๐ฆ ะบะธัะพะปะพะฒ
๐ต๐ฑ whaler
๐ฏ๐ต ๆ้ฏจ่
๐ซ๐ท chasseur de baleines
๐ช๐ธ ballenero
๐น๐ท balina avcฤฑsฤฑ
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ณ ๋์ก์ด
๐ธ๐ฆ ุตูุงุฏ ุงูุญูุชุงู
๐จ๐ฟ velrybรกล
๐ธ๐ฐ veฤพrybรกr
๐จ๐ณ ๆ้ฒธ่
๐ธ๐ฎ kitolovec
๐ฎ๐ธ hvalveiรฐimaรฐur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะบะธั ะฐัะปะฐััั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแขแแแแก แแแแแแแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ balina ovu
๐ฒ๐ฝ ballenero
Etymology
The term 'whaler' originates from the Middle English word 'whal', which is derived from the Old English 'hwรฆl', meaning 'whale'. This Old English term is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, highlighting the deep Scandinavian roots associated with whaling activities. In its earliest usage, the word referred broadly to individuals who fished for various large marine animals but over time it became more specifically associated with those hunting whales. By the 17th century, whaling had developed into a commercial industry, leading to an increase in whaler settlements, particularly in coastal regions like Nantucket and New Bedford in America. The decline of the whaling industry began in the late 19th century due to the depletion of whale populations and the advent of alternatives to whale oil, such as kerosene and synthetic materials. Modern perceptions of whaling have shifted dramatically toward conservation, as many species of whales are now endangered due to historical overexploitation.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #29,612, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
- ...
- 29609 irradiating
- 29610 sequels
- 29611 campaigner
- 29612 whaler
- 29613 reproaching
- 29614 musky
- 29615 endurable
- ...