pilot whale

noun

: either of two dark gray to black, medium-sized toothed whales (Globicephala melas and G. macrorhynchus) of temperate to tropical waters that have a large rounded forehead and short snout and typically feed on squid and small fish

called also blackfish

Examples of pilot 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.
The town attracts visitors year-round to encounter sperm whales that can reach nearly 50 ft (15 m) in length, as well as humpback whales, pilot whales, orcas, and porpoises. — New Atlas, 28 Aug. 2026 The finalist images document the consequences of overfishing and bycatch, the impact of pollution on marine mammals and the killing of pilot whales in the Faroe Islands, a practice known as grindadráp. — Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 His grandfather ran across great white sharks; his father, orcas; Hubbard himself has crossed paths with pilot whales, a right whale and one of the largest leatherback turtles he's ever seen. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026 Boat traffic may impede the social lives of harbor porpoises, and pilot whales and orcas were found to be carrying previously undiscovered viruses. — Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pilot whale

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pilot whale was in 1867

Rhymes for pilot whale

See All Rhymes for pilot whale

Browse Nearby Words

pilotweed
pilot whale
pilot wheel
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pilot whale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pilot%20whale. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pilot whale

noun
: either of two mostly black medium-sized toothed whales related to the dolphins

More from Merriam-Webster on pilot whale

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pilot whale

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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