Pronunciation: [wˈa͡ɪt wˈe͡ɪlz] (IPA) 
The spelling of "white whales" in English is phonetically transcribed as /waɪt weɪlz/. This can be broken down into two syllables: "white" with the vowel sound /aɪ/ and "whales" with the vowel sound /eɪ/. The digraph "wh" in "whales" is pronounced as /w/ in most accents of English. Altogether, the word refers to a type of whale that is typically white in color, such as the beluga or narwhal.
White whales, also known as belugas, are large marine mammals belonging to the cetacean family. They are characterized by their distinct white or pale grey coloring, which sets them apart from other whale species.
These intelligent creatures have a robust and rounded body shape, measuring between 13 and 20 feet in length and weighing up to 3,000 pounds. They have a unique feature in their flexible neck, allowing them to turn their heads around, and a prominent rounded forehead known as a melon. Belugas possess a blowhole on top of their heads, through which they exhale and inhale air.
White whales are known for their high-pitched vocalizations, aptly called "songs" or "cackles," which they use for communication and echolocation. With this advanced form of communication, they navigate through their Arctic habitat, spotting prey and coordinating group movements.
Their diet mainly consists of fish, octopus, shrimp, and other small marine organisms. These adaptive creatures can withstand extremely cold temperatures since they inhabit Arctic and sub-Arctic waters. They are well-suited to these conditions due to a thick layer of blubber underneath their skin, which aids in insulation.
In terms of behavior, belugas are highly sociable animals and often travel in small groups called pods. These pods can range from a few individuals up to hundreds. They engage in cooperative hunting, protecting their young, and engaging in various social behaviors, including breaching, spyhopping, and lobtailing. White whales have captivated many ocean enthusiasts and researchers alike with their unique appearance and playful behavior.
The phrase "White Whales" does not have a specific etymology of its own, as it is a combination of two separate words. However, we can look at the etymology of each word individually.
1. White: The English word "white" can be traced back to the Old English word "hwīt", which is related to the Proto-Germanic word "hwītaz". It is also connected to the Proto-Indo-European root "*kweyt-", meaning "bright" or "shining". Over time, the word evolved in various Germanic languages to become "white".
2. Whales: The term "whale" originates from the Old English word "hwæl", which goes back to the Proto-Germanic word "*hwalaz". This word is likely derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*kwal-", meaning "large sea fish".
