# dolphin

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈdɒlf.ɪn/ · frequency rank #11,686

## Definitions
1. A carnivorous aquatic mammal in one of several families of the infraorder Cetacea, famed for its intelligence and occasional willingness to approach humans.
2. A carnivorous aquatic mammal in one of several families of the infraorder Cetacea, famed for its intelligence and occasional willingness to approach humans.
3. A fish, the mahi-mahi or dorado, Coryphaena hippurus, with a dorsal fin that runs the length of the body, also known for iridescent coloration.
4. A depiction of a fish, with a broad indented fin, usually embowed.
5. The dauphin, eldest son of the kings of France.
6. A mass of iron or lead hung from the yardarm, in readiness to be dropped through the deck and the hull of an enemy's vessel to sink it.
7. A kind of wreath or strap of plaited cordage.
8. A spar or buoy held by an anchor and furnished with a ring to which ships may fasten their cables.
9. A mooring post on a wharf or beach.
10. A permanent fender designed to protect a heavy boat, bridge, or coastal structure from the impact of large floating objects such as ice, floating logs, or vessels.
11. One of the handles above the trunnions by which a gun was lifted.
12. A person who buys shares on the primary market only to resell them immediately at a high profit.

## Etymology
From Middle English delphyn, from Latin delphīnus, from Ancient Greek δελφίς (delphís), from δελφύς (delphús, “womb”); the modern form in -ol- is probably influenced by the pronunciation of Middle French dauphin. Compare Swedish delfin. Doublet of dauphin. Displaced native Old English mereswīn (literally “sea pig”).

## Easily confused with
- **Dolph** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/dolph-vs-dolphin)
- **Delphi** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/delphi-vs-dolphin)
- **dauphin** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/dauphin-vs-dolphin)
- **Delphine** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/delphine-vs-dolphin)

## Common misspellings (11)
`ddolphin`, `dlophin`, `dolhpin`, `dollphin`, `dolphhin`, `dolphinn`, `dolphni`, `dolpihn`, `dolpphin`, `doplhin`, `odlphin`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/dolphin