1. Large whale with a large cavity in the head containing spermaceti and oil; also a source of ambergris
   "The black whale dove to extreme depths hunting for giant squid";
   - sperm whale, cachalot, Physeter catodon
    
2. Small dark-coloured whale of the Atlantic coast of the United States; the largest male acts as pilot or leader for the school
   "The black whales followed their leader into shallow water";
   - pilot whale, common blackfish, blackfish, Globicephala melaena

Derived forms: black whales

Type of: dolphin, toothed whale

Part of: genus Globicephala, genus Physeter, Globicephala, Physeter

Encyclopedia: Black whale