variants
or bowhead
: a very large baleen whale (Balaena mysticetus of the family Balaenidae) of cold waters of the northern hemisphere that is related to the right whales, may reach a length of 45 to 60 feet (13.5 to 18 meters), and has an extremely large head with an arched lower jaw
Examples of bowhead whale in a Sentence
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Birds, unlike other species such as the giant tortoise, the Greenland shark or the bowhead whale, aren’t known for their longevity.
—
Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
In March 2024, the first sighting of a bowhead whale in southeast Alaska was recorded off the coast of Sitka Sound, according to a July 16 news release by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries.
—Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2025
The lifespans of mammals vary dramatically, from species of shrew that don’t make it to their first birthday to the bowhead whale, which celebrates two centenaries.
—Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 12 May 2025
These data suggest the bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus)—a plankton-feeder that lives in the Arctic—leads the pod in longevity.
—Bymitch Leslie, science.org, 20 Dec. 2024
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Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
In March 2024, the first sighting of a bowhead whale in southeast Alaska was recorded off the coast of Sitka Sound, according to a July 16 news release by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries.
—Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2025
The lifespans of mammals vary dramatically, from species of shrew that don’t make it to their first birthday to the bowhead whale, which celebrates two centenaries.
—Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 12 May 2025
These data suggest the bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus)—a plankton-feeder that lives in the Arctic—leads the pod in longevity.
—Bymitch Leslie, science.org, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for bowhead whale
Cite this Entry
“Bowhead whale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bowhead%20whale. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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