Definition

1. Noun:
   • A species of baleen whale: The grey whale is a medium-sized whale found primarily in the North Pacific Ocean. It is known for its greyish-black skin, which is often mottled with white patches from scars and barnacles.
   • A migratory marine mammal: This whale is famous for its long annual migration between feeding grounds in the Arctic and breeding lagoons in Baja California, Mexico.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We went on a boat tour hoping to see a grey whale. (We went on a boat tour hoping to see a grey whale.)
  • The grey whale population has recovered significantly since protections were put in place. (The grey whale population has recovered significantly since protections were put in place.)
  • Scientists study the feeding behavior of the grey whale. (Scientists study the feeding behavior of the grey whale.)

Advanced Usage

• "grey whale calf": a young grey whale.

  • The mother grey whale closely guarded her calf during the migration.

• "grey whale watching": the activity of observing grey whales, often from boats or shore.

  • Grey whale watching is a popular tourist activity along the coast.

Variants and Related Words

• Gray whale: An alternative spelling, commonly used in American English.

  • The gray whale is also known by its scientific name, Eschrichtius robustus.

• Baleen whale: The broader category of whales to which the grey whale belongs, characterized by having baleen plates for filter feeding.

• Cetacean: The order of marine mammals that includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises.

Synonyms

• Eschrichtius robustus: The scientific (Latin) name for the grey whale.
• Devilfish: An old historical name for the grey whale, stemming from its defensive behavior when hunted.

Related Phrases

• "to spyhop": a behavior where a whale raises its head vertically out of the water to look around; commonly observed in grey whales.
  • The curious grey whale began to spyhop near our boat.

Noun

1. medium-sized greyish-black whale of the northern Pacific