harpoon

[hɑːˈpuːn]

harpoon Definition

• 1. a long spear-like instrument used in fishing to catch large fish or whales
• 2. to catch, hit, or kill with a harpoon

Using harpoon: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "harpoon" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The whaling ship was equipped with harpoons and lances.

• Example

  He harpooned the shark and dragged it onto the boat.

• Example

  The fishermen harpooned a giant tuna.

• Example

  The whale was harpooned and then killed with a lance.

harpoon Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for harpoon

• spear
• pike
• javelin
• lance
• gaff

Phrases with harpoon

• throw a harpoon

  to use a harpoon to catch a fish or whale

  Example

  The fishermen threw their harpoons at the whale.

• harpoon gun

  a device that fires a harpoon, used for hunting large sea creatures

  Example

  The whalers used a harpoon gun to catch the whale.

• harpoon line

  a rope or cable attached to a harpoon, used to reel in a caught fish or whale

  Example

  The harpoon line snapped under the weight of the struggling whale.

Origins of harpoon

from Dutch 'harpoen', from Middle Low German 'harpōn'

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Summary: harpoon in Brief

A 'harpoon' [hɑːˈpuːn] is a long spear-like instrument used in fishing to catch large fish or whales. It can also mean to catch, hit, or kill with a harpoon. Examples include 'The fishermen harpooned a giant tuna.' and 'He harpooned the shark and dragged it onto the boat.' Phrases include 'throw a harpoon,' 'harpoon gun,' and 'harpoon line.'