grey whale: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Both are correct. 'Grey whale' is the standard British English spelling, while 'gray whale' is standard American English. The scientific community often uses 'grey whale'.

Primarily along the Pacific coast of North America, from Baja California, Mexico (winter breeding grounds) to the Arctic seas of Alaska and Russia (summer feeding grounds). Popular watching spots include California, Oregon, Washington, and Baja.

The Eastern North Pacific population has recovered and is no longer listed as endangered, but the Western North Pacific population remains critically endangered. Their status is monitored due to past commercial whaling and ongoing environmental threats.

This is an archaic name from whaling days. When harpooned, grey whales (especially mothers defending calves) would react fiercely, leading whalers to call them 'devilfish'.

A large baleen whale (Eschrichtius robustus) of the North Pacific, characterized by mottled grey skin, a robust body, and a lack of a dorsal fin.

Grey whale is usually neutral to technical; common in nature documentaries, environmental writing, and general educational contexts. in register.

Grey whale: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪ ˈweɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪ ˈhweɪl/ or /ˌɡreɪ ˈweɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.