Definition of "finback" []

• A rorqual, especially Balaenoptera physalus of the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, that attains a length of about 21 meters (70 feet). Also called fin whale. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• ""What's the difference between a 'finback' and a 'humpback,' Hank?" asked the boy, after the canvas had been stowed, the vessel under auxiliary steam having speed enough to keep up with the cetaceans, "are they 'right' whales?""
• "a kind of finback, an 'is the largest animal livin'."
• "Just last month, a group of whale watchers got an unexpected treat when they witnessed a twirling finback whale."