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 notesIn plain EnglishMost often refers to the humpback whale, but can also describe a curved or hunched back.
Common pairings
humpback whale
humpback salmon
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Word forms
- Plural
- humpbacks
- Third person singular
- humpbacks
- Past tense
- humpbacked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ breached right next to the whale-watching boat.
Etymology
From hump + back.
Synonyms
View more →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.
