WHALE Meaning and
Definition
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A whale is a massive marine mammal that belongs to the order Cetacea, specifically the suborder Mysticeti or baleen whales, or the suborder Odontoceti or toothed whales. With a streamlined body, whales are known for their enormous size, often being the largest animals on Earth. They have unique characteristics such as a blowhole on the top of their head, which allows them to breathe air at the water's surface.
Whales are predominantly aquatic creatures, living in oceans and seas around the world. They have evolved to adapt to marine life, possessing fins and a powerful tail fluke to swim at remarkable speeds. One of the defining features of baleen whales is their baleen plates, which hang from the upper jaws and act like a filter to capture and consume vast quantities of small prey, such as krill and plankton. Toothed whales, on the other hand, have teeth that enable them to hunt and consume a wider range of marine life, including fish, squid, and even other marine mammals.
These awe-inspiring creatures exhibit a wide range of behaviors, including breaching, tail slapping, and a hauntingly melodic communication system known as whale songs. They are known for their migratory patterns, navigating vast distances between feeding and breeding grounds. Some species of whales, such as the blue whale, hold records for being the largest animals to have ever existed, while others, like the sperm whale, are renowned for their incredible diving depths.
Whales have fascinated humans throughout history, appearing in myths, legends, and ancient artworks. They also play a significant ecological role, shaping marine ecosystems and contributing to the overall health of the oceans. However, many species of whales are threatened by various human activities, such as pollution, hunting,
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The largest of sea-animals, frequenting high latitudes, and sought for its oil and other commercial products.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for WHALE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for WHALE
Etymology of WHALE
The word "whale" originated from the Old English word "hwæl", which is believed to have derived from the Proto-Germanic word "hwalaz". This word is further linked to the Old Norse word "hvalr" and the Old High German word "hwal". The Proto-Germanic word "hwalaz" also has connections to the Proto-Indo-European root "kwal-", meaning "to turn" or "revolve", which refers to the turning motion of a swimming whale.
Idioms with the word WHALE
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as fat as a beached whale
The idiom "as fat as a beached whale" is used to describe someone or something that is extremely overweight or obese. It implies that the person or object being referred to is excessively large or overweight, similar to the size of a whale stranded on a beach. This phrase is often used in a derogatory or mocking manner.
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a whale of a job etc.
The idiom "a whale of a job" typically means a task or job that is exceptionally large, difficult, or impressive. It emphasizes the enormity or quality of the task at hand, suggesting that it requires significant effort or skill to complete successfully.
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whale the tar out of sm
The idiom "whale the tar out of someone" is a colloquial expression that means to beat, hit, or strike someone forcefully and repeatedly. It implies a strong physical assault or a severe punishment. The term "whale" refers to a vigorous action, while "tar" is used as a colloquial intensifier, meaning "the living daylights" or "badly." Together, the idiom conveys the idea of inflicting a severe beating on someone.
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a whale of a (good) time
The idiom "a whale of a (good) time" refers to having an exceptionally enjoyable and exciting experience or engaging in an activity filled with fun and happiness. It conveys the notion of a memorable and extraordinary event or occasion.
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a beached whale
The idiom "a beached whale" refers to a situation where a person or object is in a helpless or awkward situation, unable to move or function effectively. It conveys the idea of being stranded or stuck, similar to a whale that has been washed ashore and cannot return to the water.
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beat/knock/whale the tar out of sb
The idiom "beat/knock/whale the tar out of somebody" means to severely beat, punish, or defeat someone in a physical or metaphorical sense. It implies inflicting intense harm, damage, or defeat to the point where the person is left utterly weakened or defeated. The phrase often suggests a one-sided and lopsided victory or outcome.
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a whale of a sth
The idiom "a whale of a sth" is used to describe something or someone that is exceptionally large, impressive, or significant. It suggests that the object or person being referred to is of great magnitude or importance.
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a whale of a bill/difference/problem etc.
The idiom "a whale of a [bill/difference/problem etc.]" is used to emphasize the size, extent, or magnitude of something. It suggests that the subject being described is exceptionally large, significant, or overwhelming.
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have a whale of a time
The idiom "have a whale of a time" means to have an exceptionally enjoyable or fun-filled experience.
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whale into (sm or an animal)
The idiom "whale into (someone or an animal)" means to attack fiercely and relentlessly, often repeatedly striking with great force or intensity. It implies vigorous and aggressive action, resembling the way a whale thrashes its tail or uses its massive weight when attacking prey or defending itself.
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fat as a beached whale
The idiom "fat as a beached whale" refers to someone or something that is extremely overweight or obese, resembling the size or appearance of a whale stranded on the shore. It is often used as a humorous or exaggerated way to describe someone's excessive weight.
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have a whale of a (good) time
The idiom "have a whale of a (good) time" means to have an exceptionally enjoyable or exhilarating experience. It suggests having a lot of fun, excitement, and amusement. The phrase often implies great enjoyment and a memorable experience.
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like a beached whale
The idiom "like a beached whale" is used to describe someone or something that is stranded or stuck in a helpless or awkward situation, often implying a lack of mobility or difficulties in navigating a particular situation. It is typically used humorously or metaphorically to emphasize a person's or object's inability to move or function effectively in a given context.
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a whale of a job/party/story etc.
The idiom "a whale of a job/party/story, etc." is used to describe something as remarkably impressive, extraordinary, or outstanding. It emphasizes that the mentioned task, event, or narrative is massive in scale or extremely remarkable, highlighting its significant impact or allure.
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a whale of a
The idiom "a whale of a" is used to describe something or someone that is exceptionally large, impressive, or extraordinary. It is typically used to emphasize the magnitude, size, or quality of something.
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a whale of
The idiom "a whale of" is used to emphasize the largeness or great extent of something. It is often used to describe an impressive or substantial quantity or size of something.
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every eel hopes to become a whale
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whale away
To work hard or do something energetically and enthusiastically.
Similar spelling words for WHALE
Conjugate verb Whale
CONDITIONAL
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would whale
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would whale
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FUTURE
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will whale
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FUTURE PERFECT
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will have whaled
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PAST
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whaled
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whaled
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PAST PERFECT
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had whaled
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PRESENT
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whale
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whale
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whale
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whales
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whale
PRESENT PERFECT
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have whaled
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have whaled
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have whaled
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have whaled
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am whaling
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are whaling
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was whaling
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will be whaling
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have been whaling
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had been whaling
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would have whaled
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would be whaling
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