gray whale

noun

: a large baleen whale (Eschrichtius robustus) of the northern Pacific having short jaws and no dorsal fin

Examples of gray whale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Of 16 gray whales seen in San Francisco Bay this year, seven have died. — Lauren Sommer, NPR, 8 June 2026 According to the center, this case marks the 13th dead gray whale found in the wider Bay Area so far this year. — Tim Fang, CBS News, 11 June 2026 In spring, the gray whales head north again, fin whales become more abundant, and orcas populate Northern California waters. — Alanna Bennett, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Apr. 2026 Wildlife such as pelicans, sea lions, and migrating gray whales (particularly in December and May) may be spotted along the way. — Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for gray whale

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gray whale was in 1834

Rhymes for gray whale

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Browse Nearby Words

gray wedge
gray whale
gray widgeon
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Cite this Entry

“Gray whale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gray%20whale. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gray whale

noun
: a large baleen whale of the northern Pacific Ocean

More from Merriam-Webster on gray whale

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gray whale

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