fin whale

noun

: a baleen whale (Balaenoptera physalus) that may attain a length of over 70 feet (21 meters) and is found chiefly in subtropical to arctic and antarctic waters worldwide

called also finback

Illustration of fin whale

Illustration of fin whale

Examples of fin 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.
Nana and the boys were leaning against the railing as a fin whale exhaled. Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 17 May 2026 The charter company also reported more than 400 fin whale encounters so far this year — more than usual, and a hopeful sign for the remainder of their typical season, which has just started. Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 14 May 2026 Milstein says the fin whale population off the West Coast is now estimated to be at least 8,000, and that the animal has become an increasingly common sight for whale watchers in Southern California in recent years. Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 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 See All Example Sentences for fin whale

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fin whale was in 1885

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Cite this Entry

“Fin whale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fin%20whale. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

fin whale

noun
: a baleen whale that may reach a length of over 70 feet (21 meters)

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