Meaning of the word harpoon in English

What does harpoon mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

harpoon

US /hɑːrˈpuːn/
UK /hɑːˈpuːn/

Noun

a barbed spear-like missile attached to a rope, used for hunting whales or other large sea animals

Example:
The whaler aimed his harpoon at the massive whale.
Ancient cultures used primitive harpoons for fishing.

Verb

to strike, catch, or kill with a harpoon

Example:
The fishermen managed to harpoon a large tuna.
They used a boat to chase and harpoon the sea creature.