What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
whales
Example
We went on a whale watching tour and saw several humpback whales. [whales: plural noun]
Example
The blue whale is the largest animal on earth. [whale: singular noun]
orca
Example
We saw a pod of orcas swimming near the boat. [orcas: plural noun]
Example
The orca is a top predator in the ocean. [orca: singular noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whales are more commonly used in everyday language than orcas. Whales are a more diverse group of species that includes some of the largest animals on earth, while orcas are a specific species of toothed whale that is well-known for its intelligence and social behavior.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between whales and orca?
Both whales and orcas can be used in formal and informal contexts, but whales may be more versatile due to their wider range of species and uses in idiomatic expressions.
