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dolphin

Syllabification: (dol·phin)
Pronunciation: /ˈdälfin, ˈdôl-/

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Definition of dolphin

noun

  • 1a small gregarious toothed whale that typically has a beaklike snout and a curved fin on the back. Dolphins have become well known for their sociable nature and high intelligence.
    • Families Delphinidae (marine) and Platanistidae (the river dolphins): several genera and many species
  • 2 (also dolphinfish)another term for mahimahi.
  • 3a bollard, pile, or buoy for mooring.
  • 4a structure for protecting the pier of a bridge or other structure from collision with ships.

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French dauphin, from Provençal dalfin, from Latin delphinus, from Greek delphin

dolphin in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of dolphin in the British & World English dictionary