Whale vs. Dolphin: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 19, 2023
Whales are large, often filter-feeding marine mammals, while dolphins are smaller, toothed, and characterized by a bottlenose.
Key Differences
Whales encompass a wide range of marine mammals within the cetacean family. Dolphins, conversely, are a specific subgroup of toothed whales, and they typically possess a notably curved dorsal fin and a bottle-shaped nose.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
Whales generally display a vast array of sizes, from the massive blue whale to much smaller species. Dolphins distinguish themselves with not just their smaller size compared to many whales, but also with their sociable and highly intelligent behavior.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
While some whales, like baleen whales, use baleen plates to filter small organisms from seawater for their nutrition, dolphins consistently utilize their teeth to grasp their prey, showcasing different feeding strategies between the two.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
Whales are not as universally sociable as dolphins, with certain species being more solitary or forming smaller pods. Dolphins are widely recognized for their playful demeanor, acrobatic abilities, and intricate social structures.
Harlon Moss
Nov 19, 2023
Scientifically, dolphins are categorized within the toothed whale suborder, making all dolphins technically whales, but not all whales are dolphins, displaying the nuanced difference and similarity between the two terms.
Sara Rehman
Nov 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Size
Generally larger with vast size range.
Smaller and sleeker in comparison.
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Nov 19, 2023
Feeding
Include filter-feeders (baleen whales).
Consistently toothed and predatory.
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Nov 19, 2023
Dorsal Fin Shape
Varied, some species lack a dorsal fin.
Characteristically curved dorsal fin.
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Nov 19, 2023
Social Behavior
Varies, from solitary to social species.
Notably sociable and playful.
Sara Rehman
Nov 19, 2023
Scientific Suborder
Include toothed and baleen suborders.
Belong to the toothed whale suborder.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
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Whale and Dolphin Definitions
Whale
A large marine mammal with a streamlined shape.
The blue whale is the largest animal on Earth.
Sara Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
Dolphin
A structure for mooring vessels.
The ship was tied securely to the dolphin.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 09, 2023
Whale
To engage in hearty, continuous eating.
He decided to whale on the huge burger.
Harlon Moss
Oct 09, 2023
Dolphin
A French historical coin.
He collected an old gold dolphin from the 16th century.
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Oct 09, 2023
Whale
To strike repeatedly and forcefully.
The boxer began to whale on the punching bag.
Harlon Moss
Oct 09, 2023
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Dolphin
A small-toothed marine mammal with a bulbous beak and curved dorsal fin.
The dolphin gracefully leaped above the ocean surface.
Janet White
Oct 09, 2023
Whale
To hunt for whales (whaling).
The ship was historically used to whale in Arctic waters.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Dolphin
A kind of wreath or strap for securing a hat to the head.
She used a dolphin to keep her hat in place during the windy day.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 09, 2023
Whale
A remarkable, impressive individual.
With his vast knowledge, he's a whale in the science world.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 09, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 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.
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Oct 07, 2023
Dolphin
A group of piles used as a fender, as at a dock or around a bridge pier.
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Oct 07, 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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Oct 07, 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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Oct 07, 2023
Dolphin
Tursiops truncatus, (Atlantic bottlenose dolphin) the most well-known species.
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Oct 07, 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.
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Oct 07, 2023
Dolphin
(heraldry) A depiction of a fish, with a broad indented fin, usually embowed.
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Oct 07, 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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Oct 07, 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.
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Oct 07, 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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Oct 07, 2023
Whale
(gambling) In a casino, a person who routinely bets at the maximum limit allowable.
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Oct 07, 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.
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Oct 07, 2023
Whale
A person who spends large amounts of money on things that are marketed to them.
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Oct 07, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Dolphin
A cetacean of the genus Delphinus and allied genera (esp. Delphinus delphis); the true dolphin.
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Oct 07, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Whale
Any of the larger cetacean mammals having a streamlined body and breathing through a blowhole on the head
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Dolphin
In old ordnance, one of the handles above the trunnions by which a cannon was lifted.
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Oct 07, 2023
Dolphin
Large slender food and game fish widely distributed in warm seas (especially around Hawaii)
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Oct 07, 2023
Dolphin
Any of various small toothed whales with a beaklike snout; larger than porpoises
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Oct 07, 2023
Dolphin
A constellation (Delphinus).
At certain times of the year, you can see the dolphin constellation in the night sky.
Sara Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
FAQs
How do dolphins communicate?
Dolphins communicate using a variety of clicks, whistle-like sounds, and body movements.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
Are whales and dolphins mammals or fish?
Both whales and dolphins are marine mammals, not fish.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
Do all whales have teeth?
No, whales can be toothed or baleen, with the latter using baleen plates to filter-feed instead of teeth.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
Do dolphins have a good sense of hearing?
Yes, dolphins have an excellent sense of hearing, crucial for their echolocation abilities.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
What do whales typically eat?
Diet varies; baleen whales filter-feed on small organisms, while toothed whales may hunt fish or squid.
Sara Rehman
Nov 19, 2023
Are dolphins considered whales scientifically?
Yes, dolphins are technically toothed whales within the scientific classification.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
What is the largest species of whale?
The blue whale is the largest species, reaching up to 100 feet and weighing as much as 200 tons.
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Nov 19, 2023
Why do whales breach?
While the exact reason isn’t known, hypotheses include communication, removing parasites, and playful behavior.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 19, 2023
What is the lifespan of a whale?
Whales have varied lifespans; for example, bowhead whales can live over 200 years, while orcas live around 60-80 years.
Janet White
Nov 19, 2023
Can dolphins live in freshwater?
Some species, like the Amazon river dolphin, can live in freshwater environments.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 19, 2023
How intelligent are dolphins?
Dolphins are highly intelligent, displaying traits like self-awareness, problem-solving, and complex social behavior.
Janet White
Nov 19, 2023
Do dolphins sleep?
Dolphins do sleep but remain partially conscious to control breathing and watch for threats or obstacles.
Harlon Moss
Nov 19, 2023
Which whale species can sing?
Humpback whales are renowned for their complex and melodious songs.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
How fast can a dolphin swim?
Dolphins can reach speeds up to 60 km/h (37 mph) depending on the species.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 19, 2023
What is the smallest whale species?
The dwarf sperm whale is among the smallest, reaching lengths of about 2.7 meters (8.9 feet).
Harlon Moss
Nov 19, 2023
Are whales endangered?
Some whale species are endangered, such as the North Atlantic right whale, while others have stable populations.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 19, 2023
Are dolphins friendly to humans?
While often portrayed as friendly, dolphins are wild animals, and interactions can be unpredictable.
Janet White
Nov 19, 2023
Can whales and dolphins see well?
Whales and dolphins have relatively good vision both in and out of the water, complementing their advanced echolocation skills.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
How deep can dolphins dive?
Some dolphins, like the bottlenose, can dive over 300 meters (1,000 feet).
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
How big is a blue whale’s heart?
A blue whale’s heart can be as large as a small car and weigh around 400 pounds.
Janet White
Nov 19, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
