dorsal fin
noun
plural dorsal fins
: a flat thin body part that projects from the back of many fish (such as trout, barracuda, and sharks) and some marine mammals (such as dolphins)
Porpoises have a more triangular dorsal fin while a dolphin's dorsal fin is more curved.—
Naomi Corrigan and Dave Himelfield
Naomi Corrigan and Dave HimelfieldThis member of the perch family has two dorsal fins and a large mouth outfitted with sharp teeth …—Matt Markey
Matt MarkeyExamples of dorsal fin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But are these fascinating appendages really dorsal fins?
—Katie Cottingham, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Sep. 2024
Winter had put a life vest on the dog resembling a shark, with a dorsal fin protruding from its back.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024
The scientists also discovered signs of orca tooth rake marks on the dorsal fin of a fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus).
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 26 Sep. 2024
Some of my most memorable topwater hits have started with that big dorsal fin slicing the surface as a bull mahi charges my popper.
—Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 19 Sep. 2024
From the exterior, each F5-M will be easily identifiable thanks to a 55-inch dorsal fin that extends from the rear of the intake scoop on the roof.
—Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2024
As a fish swims through water, the dorsal fin stabilizes it and keeps it from rolling over.
—Katie Cottingham, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Sep. 2024
Tracking tags were placed on the dorsal fins of the sharks and used to collect information on water depth and temperature.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 3 Sep. 2024
Video shows there was damage to the shark's skin, paint marks and a red scrape behind her dorsal fin.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 26 July 2024
Katie Cottingham, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Sep. 2024
Winter had put a life vest on the dog resembling a shark, with a dorsal fin protruding from its back.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024
The scientists also discovered signs of orca tooth rake marks on the dorsal fin of a fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus).
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 26 Sep. 2024
Some of my most memorable topwater hits have started with that big dorsal fin slicing the surface as a bull mahi charges my popper.
—Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 19 Sep. 2024
From the exterior, each F5-M will be easily identifiable thanks to a 55-inch dorsal fin that extends from the rear of the intake scoop on the roof.
—Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2024
As a fish swims through water, the dorsal fin stabilizes it and keeps it from rolling over.
—Katie Cottingham, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Sep. 2024
Tracking tags were placed on the dorsal fins of the sharks and used to collect information on water depth and temperature.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 3 Sep. 2024
Video shows there was damage to the shark's skin, paint marks and a red scrape behind her dorsal fin.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 26 July 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dorsal fin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to dorsal fin
Dictionary Entries Near dorsal fin
Cite this Entry
“Dorsal fin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dorsal%20fin. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share