Meaning of the word whale in English

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

whale

US /weɪl/

UK /weɪl/

a very large marine mammal with a streamlined hairless body, a horizontal tail fin, and a blowhole on top of the head for breathing.

Example:

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The majestic blue whale is the largest animal on Earth.

•

We went on a boat trip hoping to spot a whale.

Synonym:

cetacean leviathan

a person or thing that is very large or impressive of its kind.

Example:

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He's a whale of a player, always scoring goals.

•

That new building is a real whale, towering over everything else.

to strike or hit (someone or something) hard.

Example:

•

He threatened to whale the boy if he didn't behave.

•

The boxer managed to whale his opponent with a powerful punch.

Synonym:

hit strike beat thrash pummel

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