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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.

porpoise

/ˈpɔːrpəs/ /ˈpɔːpəs/

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.

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