noun
bowhead
BOH-hed
Bowhead (noun) means a large baleen whale with a big, rounded head that lives in Arctic waters. Example: “A bowhead surfaced near the ice edge, its huge head breaking the water first.”
noun
1
A large baleen whale with a big, rounded head that lives in Arctic waters.
"A bowhead surfaced near the ice edge, its huge head breaking the water first."
"With its thick, rounded skull, a bowhead can break through Arctic ice to breathe."
"The pod of bowheads fed close to shore all summer."
How to use bowhead
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA bowhead is an Arctic whale named for its huge, rounded head.
When to use it
It is a straightforward, neutral term used in everyday and scientific writing alike.
Memory tip
Remember the name is just bow plus head, naming the whale's large head.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
bowhead whale
Arctic bowhead
pod of bowheads
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A _____ surfaced near the ice edge, its huge head breaking the water first.
Etymology
Formed from bow plus head, referring to the whale's large, rounded head.
Synonyms
View more →
bowhead whale
Greenland right whale
Rhymes for bowhead
See all rhymes for bowhead →Frequently asked questions
What is a bowhead whale?
It is a large baleen whale, Balaena mysticetus, known for its big rounded head, that lives in Arctic waters.
Why is it called a bowhead?
The name simply joins bow and head, pointing to the whale's large, rounded head.
Where do bowhead whales live?
They live in Arctic waters.
What is the meaning of bowhead?
"bowhead" (noun) means a large baleen whale with a big, rounded head that lives in Arctic waters.
