Porpoise - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A porpoise is a small, toothed marine mammal similar to a dolphin but with a shorter snout and stockier body. They are known for their playful behavior and intelligence.
Definition:
A small toothed whale with a blunt snout, found in coastal waters.
Synonyms:
dolphin, cetacean, marine mammal
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
land animal, bird
Common Collocations:
harbor porpoise, porpoise species, playful porpoise
Derivatives:
porpoising, porpoised
Usage Tips:
Use "porpoise" to refer specifically to the small whale species, not interchangeably with "dolphin."
Common Phrases:
happy as a porpoise, porpoise around
Etymology:
From Old French *porpeis*, derived from Latin *porcus* (pig) + *piscis* (fish).
Examples:
- 1. The porpoise leaped gracefully out of the water.
- 2. We spotted a porpoise near the harbor yesterday.
- 3. Porpoises are smaller and shyer than dolphins.
- 4. The children laughed as the porpoise splashed nearby.