blue whale

noun

: a very large baleen whale (Balaenoptera musculus synonym Sibbaldus musculus) that may reach a weight of 150 tons (136 metric tons) and a length of 100 feet (30 meters) and is generally considered the largest living animal

Illustration of blue whale

Illustration of blue whale

Examples of blue whale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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August 1-2 The Armillaria gallica mushroom, which can grow up to the size of three blue whales, is native to the Upper Michigan Peninsula. Teaghan Skulszki, Outside Online, 4 July 2025 Although the airship is as long as two and a half blue whales, just three ground crew can help the pilot to land and secure the blimp. Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 Scott Reef is a remote ecosystem millions of years old that’s home to a diverse array of marine life including endangered dusky sea snakes and migratory pygmy blue whales. Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 28 May 2025 The group even got the chance to witness a blue whale show off its tail, passengers said. Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for blue whale

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of blue whale was in 1851

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Cite this Entry

“Blue whale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blue%20whale. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

blue whale

noun
: a whale that may reach a weight of 150 tons (135 metric tons) and a length of 100 feet (30 meters) and is generally considered the largest living animal

More from Merriam-Webster on blue whale

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