moby dick: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary, Figurative, Allusive
Quick answer
What does “moby dick” mean?
The title character, a legendary white sperm whale, from Herman Melville's 1851 novel of the same name.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The title character, a legendary white sperm whale, from Herman Melville's 1851 novel of the same name.
An archetype for an obsessive, unattainable, or formidable goal or enemy, often referencing the novel's themes of obsession, revenge, and the human struggle against nature.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is virtually identical; both cultures share the same literary reference. Spelling of 'whale' and other related words follows regional norms (e.g., colour/color).
Connotations
Identical literary and figurative connotations.
Frequency
Similar low frequency in both regions, understood by educated speakers familiar with Western literary canon.
Grammar
How to Use “moby dick” in a Sentence
To pursue one's Moby DickTo be on a Moby Dick questA Moby Dick of [field, e.g., physics]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “moby dick” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He spent years Moby-Dicking that promotion to the detriment of his health.
American English
- The company is Moby-Dicking that lawsuit, spending millions for principle.
adjective
British English
- His Moby-Dick quest for the perfect cup of tea is rather amusing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to an elusive, potentially ruinous business target, e.g., 'Acquiring that competitor became the CEO's Moby Dick.'
Academic
Used in literary criticism or as a metaphor for an unsolvable research problem.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used humorously for an impossible domestic task, e.g., 'Cleaning the garage is my Moby Dick.'
Technical
Not applicable in STEM fields; used only in literary or metaphorical discussion.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “moby dick”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “moby dick”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “moby dick”
- Using it to mean simply 'a big task' without the connotation of destructive obsession.
- Writing 'Moby Dick' in lower case ('moby dick') when referring to the literary work.
- Pronouncing 'Moby' to rhyme with 'hobby' (it's MOE-bee).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Moby Dick is a fictional character from Herman Melville's novel. However, the story was inspired by real events involving whales like 'Mocha Dick'.
It is a literary allusion, so it works best when speaking to people likely to know the reference. In casual talk, simpler terms like 'big obsession' or 'white whale' might be clearer.
Primarily a proper noun. When used figuratively (e.g., 'a Moby Dick'), it functions as a common noun. Creative use as a verb or adjective is rare and informal.
In the novel, the whale's whiteness symbolizes a terrifying, unnatural, and ambiguous force of nature. It represents the blank, meaningless void over which Ahab projects his obsessive hatred.
The title character, a legendary white sperm whale, from Herman Melville's 1851 novel of the same name.
Moby dick is usually literary, figurative, allusive in register.
Moby dick: in British English it is pronounced /ˈməʊbi ˈdɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmoʊbi ˈdɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To have a Moby Dick complex”
- “Chasing the white whale”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MOBY DICK: My Obsessive Big Yield, Dangerously Intense Crazy Killing-spree. (Recall Captain Ahab's obsession.)
Conceptual Metaphor
AN OBSESSIVE GOAL IS A WHALE HUNT / A FORMIDABLE PROBLEM IS A MONSTROUS WHALE
Practice
Quiz
In a modern business context, what does calling a project a 'Moby Dick' imply?