Word
humpback
Phoneticshump·back, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhəmpˌbæk/
UK/hˈʌmpbæk/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a very large whale with a curved back and long fins. These whales are famous for their beautiful songs and for jumping out of the water.
n. a large baleen whale of the genus Megaptera, characterized by a humped back and exceptionally long pectoral fins. Known for complex vocalizations and breaching behavior.
Examples
“We saw a humpback jump out of the ocean today.”
“During their winter migration, several humpback whales were spotted breaching just a few miles off the coast.”
“Marine biologists have spent decades recording the intricate, evolving songs of the humpback, which can travel for hundreds of miles through the deep ocean.”
Examples
simple
“We saw a humpback jump out of the ocean today.”
contextual
“During their winter migration, several humpback whales were spotted breaching just a few miles off the coast.”
complex
“Marine biologists have spent decades recording the intricate, evolving songs of the humpback, which can travel for hundreds of miles through the deep ocean.”
Usage
Often used as a modifier in the compound 'humpback whale'.
Real-World Examples
“Now it is accepted that many species have whole cultural traditions shared between kin – with one of the most enigmatic embodied in the songs of the humpback whale .” “The change is dramatic: ship-based surveys in the region did not record a single humpback whale sighting there until 2006.” “The southern humpback whale migration is in full swing.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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