Dictionary
dolphin
noun dol·phin \ˈdäl-fən, ˈdȯl-\
: a small usually gray whale that has a pointed nose
Full Definition of DOLPHIN
1
a (1) : any of various small marine toothed whales (family Delphinidae) with the snout more or less elongated into a beak and the neck vertebrae partially fused (2) : any of several related chiefly freshwater toothed whales (as of the family Platanistidae) b : porpoise 1
2
3
capitalized : delphinus
4
: a spar or buoy for mooring boats; also : a cluster of closely driven piles used as a fender for a dock or as a mooring or guide for boats
See dolphin defined for English-language learners
See dolphin defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Illustration of DOLPHIN
Origin of DOLPHIN
Middle English delphyn, dolphyn, from Anglo-French delphin, alteration of Old French dalfin, from Medieval Latin dalfinus, alteration of Latin delphinus, from Greek delphin-, delphis; akin to Greek delphys womb, Sanskrit garbha
First Known Use: 14th century
DOLPHIN Defined for Kids
dolphin
noun dol·phin \ˈdäl-fən, ˈdȯl-\
Definition of DOLPHIN for Kids
1
: a small whale with teeth and a long nose
2
: either of two large fish usually of warm seas that are often used for food
Learn More About DOLPHIN
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: dolphinfishPrevious Word in the Dictionary: dolourAll Words Near: dolphin
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up dolphin? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).