walrus
B2Neutral, occasionally informal in extended use.
Definition
Meaning
A large marine mammal with a thick body, tough, wrinkled skin, stiff whiskers (vibrissae), and two long tusks, living in the cold, Arctic seas.
Used to refer to something large, unwieldy, or clumsy; also used to describe a man with a large, thick, drooping moustache.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary sense is a zoological term. The extended sense relating to a moustache is a visual metaphor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage of the word itself. However, the 'walrus moustache' collocation might be slightly more common in British historical or descriptive contexts.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Similar frequency; the word is not common in everyday conversation but is well-known in educational and nature contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The walrus [Verb: hauled out/grunted/swam] on the ice.The [Adjective: massive/dominant] walrus used its tusks to [Verb: defend/lever itself/establish dominance].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A walrus moustache.”
- “Like a walrus on land (clumsy, ungainly).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in biology, zoology, marine science, and environmental studies contexts.
Everyday
Used in general discussions about animals, the Arctic, or occasionally to describe a specific style of facial hair.
Technical
Used as a species name in taxonomy and ecology; also in discussions about ivory trade regulations, climate change impact on habitats.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The old sea captain seemed to walrus his way across the deck, all bulk and bluster.
- After the huge meal, he just walrused on the sofa.
American English
- He walrused through the paperwork, leaving a messy pile on the desk.
- The linebacker walrused over the offensive line.
adjective
British English
- He sported a magnificent, walrus moustache.
- The comedian's walrus-like gait got a big laugh.
American English
- He had a classic, walrus moustache that hid his upper lip.
- The politician's walrus appearance was often caricatured.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I saw a picture of a walrus.
- A walrus has big teeth.
- Walruses live where it is very cold.
- The walrus uses its long tusks to pull itself out of the water.
- We watched a documentary about walruses in the Arctic.
- His grandfather has a thick, walrus moustache.
- Climate change is threatening the walrus's sea ice habitat.
- The male walrus, or bull, is much larger than the female.
- The poet described the old man's face as 'adorned with a grey, walrus brush'.
- Conservation efforts focus on protecting key walrus haul-out sites from excessive human disturbance.
- The walrus's blubber layer, which can be up to 15 cm thick, provides vital insulation in the frigid waters.
- His prose was often walrus-like—ponderous, heavy, but possessing a certain undeniable weight.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a WALL of blubber with a Russian hat (WAL-RUS). The 'wall' part suggests its massive size.
Conceptual Metaphor
BULK/CLUMSINESS IS A WALRUS (e.g., "He walrused his way through the crowd").
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- The Russian word 'морж' (morzh) is a direct translation for the animal.
- False Friend Alert: The English word 'walrus' is not related to the Russian word 'вальс' (waltz).
Common Mistakes
- Spelling: 'walrous', 'walrues'.
- Pronunciation: Mispronouncing the 'l' as silent (e.g., /ˈwɔːrəs/).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary diet of a walrus?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, walrus tusks are elongated canine teeth composed of dentine and covered in cementum, which is a form of ivory.
It is not standard but can be used informally and creatively to mean 'to move or act in a clumsy, heavy, or blundering manner,' akin to the movement of a walrus on land.
Key differences include size (walruses are generally larger), skin (walruses have thick, wrinkled, nearly hairless skin), and most notably, the presence of long tusks in walruses, which sea lions lack.
It describes a bushy, drooping moustache that hangs down over the lips, resembling the whiskers of a walrus. It is a specific style of facial hair.