Whale vs. Dolphin: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on October 27, 2023
Whales are large marine mammals; dolphins are smaller and have a pronounced beak.
Difference Between Whale and Dolphin
Whales are large marine mammals that belong to the cetacean family. Dolphins, while also cetaceans, are distinctly smaller and often more streamlined. Both whales and dolphins live in the world's oceans and some freshwater habitats, but their sizes and physical characteristics often set them apart.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 27, 2023
Whales typically have a broader head without a pronounced snout. Dolphins, on the other hand, usually sport a beak-like snout, giving them a more elongated appearance. While both whales and dolphins can range in color, dolphins are frequently spotted with various patterns and bright colors.
Muazma Batool
Oct 27, 2023
Both whales and dolphins communicate using sounds. However, the complexity and patterns of these sounds can vary significantly. Whales are known for their haunting and melodious songs, especially the humpback whale. Dolphins, conversely, utilize a series of clicks, whistles, and chirps, aiding them in communication and echolocation.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 27, 2023
One common misconception is that all large cetaceans are whales. However, the killer whale, commonly called the "orca," is technically a dolphin. This confusion highlights the importance of noting that size isn't the only distinguishing factor between whales and dolphins.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 27, 2023
The social structures of whales and dolphins also differ. While many whale species can be solitary or travel in smaller groups, dolphins are recognized for their complex social hierarchies and large pods. Interactions between individuals, whether whales or dolphins, showcase the depth of their cognitive abilities and social bonds.
Olivia
Oct 27, 2023
Whale vs. Dolphin Comparison Chart
Physical Appearance
Broader head, no pronounced snout
Beak-like snout, streamlined
Muazma Batool
Oct 27, 2023
Social Structure
Can be solitary or in smaller pods
Complex social structures, large pods
Leo
Oct 27, 2023
Whale vs. Dolphin Definitions
◉Whale
A large marine mammal with a streamlined shape.
The whale breached, showcasing its massive size.
Olivia
Sep 26, 2023
◉Dolphin
A man-made structure for mooring ships.
The ship was tied to the dolphin, ensuring it stayed in place.
William
Sep 26, 2023
◉Whale
Any of the cetacean mammals, excluding dolphins and porpoises.
The blue whale is the largest of all whales.
William
Sep 26, 2023
◉Dolphin
A marine mammal known for its intelligence and playful nature.
The dolphin performed tricks, delighting the audience.
Henry
Sep 26, 2023
◉Whale
A term used colloquially for something exceptionally large.
The new company's profits were a whale in the industry.
Leo
Sep 26, 2023
◉Dolphin
Any of the species of marine cetaceans, characterized by a beak-like snout.
The bottlenose dolphin is one of the most recognized species.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
◉Whale
A gambler who consistently wagers large amounts.
Casinos often offer perks to attract whales.
Leo
Sep 26, 2023
◉Dolphin
A fast, multi-hulled ship used especially for naval patrols.
The naval dolphin was dispatched to monitor the coast.
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Sep 26, 2023
◉Whale
An elongated, often inflatable, rubbery toy or float.
The children enjoyed playing with the whale float in the pool.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
◉Dolphin
A constellation in the Northern Hemisphere.
The dolphin constellation is best seen in the fall.
William
Sep 26, 2023
◉Dolphin
Any of various marine toothed whales of the family Delphinidae, having a beaklike snout, a curved dorsal fin, and a slender streamlined body.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Whale
Any of various larger members of this order, including the blue whale, humpback whale, and right whale, in contrast to the porpoises and dolphins.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Dolphin
Any of several toothed whales inhabiting rivers and estuaries in South America and South Asia, having a long narrow beak, broad flippers, a flexible neck, and usually a reduced dorsal fin. A species native to the Yangtze River is thought to be extinct. Also called river dolphin.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Dolphin
A group of piles used as a fender, as at a dock or around a bridge pier.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Whale
To strike or hit a person or thing repeatedly and forcefully
whaled away at the plaster wall with a mallet.
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Sep 26, 2023
◉Dolphin
A carnivorous aquatic mammal in one of several families of order Cetacea, famed for its intelligence and occasional willingness to approach humans.
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Sep 26, 2023
◉Dolphin
Tursiops truncatus, (Atlantic bottlenose dolphin) the most well-known species.
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Sep 26, 2023
◉Dolphin
A fish, the mahi-mahi or dorado, Coryphaena hippurus, with a dorsal fin that runs the length of the body, also known for iridescent coloration.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Whale
Any one of numerous large marine mammals comprising an informal group within infraorder Cetacea that usually excludes dolphins and porpoises.
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Sep 26, 2023
◉Dolphin
(heraldry) A depiction of a fish, with a broad indented fin, usually embowed.
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Sep 26, 2023
◉Dolphin
(history) A mass of iron or lead hung from the yardarm, in readiness to be dropped through the deck and the hull of an enemy's vessel to sink it.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Whale
(gambling) In a casino, a person who routinely bets at the maximum limit allowable.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Dolphin
(nautical) A spar or buoy held by an anchor and furnished with a ring to which ships may fasten their cables.
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Sep 26, 2023
◉Whale
A person who spends large amounts of money on things that are marketed to them.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Dolphin
(nautical) A permanent fender designed to protect a heavy boat or coastal structure from the impact of large floating objects such as ice or floating logs.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Dolphin
(nautical) A man-made semi submerged maritime structure, usually installed to provide a fixed structure for temporary mooring, to prevent ships from drifting to shallow water or to serve as base for navigational aids.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Whale
Any aquatic mammal of the order Cetacea, especially any one of the large species, some of which become nearly one hundred feet long. Whales are hunted chiefly for their oil and baleen, or whalebone.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Dolphin
A cetacean of the genus Delphinus and allied genera (esp. Delphinus delphis); the true dolphin.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Dolphin
The Coryphæna hippuris, a fish of about five feet in length, celebrated for its surprising changes of color when dying. It is the fish commonly known as the dolphin. The term is also applied to the related Coryphaena equisetis. Called also dolphinfish and (especially in Hawaii) mahimahi. See also dolphinfish and Coryphænoid.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Whale
any of the larger cetacean mammals having a streamlined body and breathing through a blowhole on the head
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Dolphin
A mass of iron or lead hung from the yardarm, in readiness to be dropped on the deck of an enemy's vessel.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Dolphin
In old ordnance, one of the handles above the trunnions by which a cannon was lifted.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Dolphin
large slender food and game fish widely distributed in warm seas (especially around Hawaii)
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Dolphin
any of various small toothed whales with a beaklike snout; larger than porpoises
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Whale vs. Dolphin Frequently Asked Questions
How do dolphins communicate?
Dolphins use a series of clicks, whistles, and chirps.
Muazma Batool
Oct 27, 2023
Do whales have teeth or baleen?
Some whales have teeth, like the sperm whale, while others have baleen, like the humpback whale.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 27, 2023
Why do whales breach?
Whales breach, or leap out of the water, for various reasons including communication, play, or to dislodge parasites.
Elijah
Oct 27, 2023
What is the largest species of whale?
The blue whale is the largest species and the biggest animal on Earth.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 27, 2023
Are dolphins considered whales?
While both are cetaceans, not all dolphins are considered whales; however, the killer whale (orca) is a dolphin species.
Lucas
Oct 27, 2023
How long can whales stay underwater?
Some species, like the sperm whale, can stay underwater for over an hour.
Levi
Oct 27, 2023
How do dolphins sleep?
Dolphins sleep by shutting down one half of their brain at a time, allowing the other half to remain alert.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 27, 2023
How intelligent are dolphins?
Dolphins are highly intelligent, exhibiting problem-solving abilities, self-awareness, and complex social behaviors.
William
Oct 27, 2023
Can dolphins live in freshwater?
Some dolphin species, like the Amazon river dolphin, live in freshwater habitats.
William
Oct 27, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
