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noun

humpback

HUHMP-bak

Humpback (noun) means Short for humpback whale, a large baleen whale known for its long fins and acrobatic breaching. Example: “A humpback breached right next to the whale-watching boat.”

noun
1
Short for humpback whale, a large baleen whale known for its long fins and acrobatic breaching.
"A humpback breached right next to the whale-watching boat."
2
A back with an abnormal rounded curve, or a person with this condition.
"The old sailor walked with a humpback from decades at sea."

How to use humpback

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMost often refers to the humpback whale, but can also describe a curved or hunched back.

Common pairings
humpback whale humpback salmon

Word forms

humpbacked past tense, humpbacks plural, humpbacks singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A _____ breached right next to the whale-watching boat.

Etymology

From hump + back.

hunchback kyphosis crookback humpback whale

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “humpback” mean?

The word “humpback” means short for humpback whale, a large baleen whale known for its long fins and acrobatic breaching. In plain terms, most often refers to the humpback whale, but can also describe a curved or hunched back.

How do you pronounce “humpback”?

“Humpback” is pronounced HUHMP-bak (/ˈhʌmpbæk/ in IPA).

How do you use “humpback” in a sentence?

Here is “humpback” used in a sentence: “A humpback breached right next to the whale-watching boat.”

What part of speech is “humpback”?

“Humpback” is a noun.

How many meanings does “humpback” have?

“Humpback” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: short for humpback whale, a large baleen whale known for its long fins and acrobatic breaching.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial