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whalebird

Any of several species of large Antarctic petrels, especially (the blue petrel) and .

ˈhweɪlˌbɪɹd237 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
🇦🇺 Australian & NZ slang
2 definitions
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Definitions

Australia
#1·Apr 27, 2026AUS

Any of several species of large Antarctic petrels, especially (the blue petrel) and .

Origin: From , because they have been known to follow whaling vessels to feed on the blubber and floating oil. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
For parents

Whalebird means: Any of several species of large Antarctic petrels, especially and .. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

whalebird means: Any of several species of large Antarctic petrels, especially and .. Register: neutral, standard English. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself. A formal-English equivalent (a synonym or descriptive phrase) is usually safer in writing. When in doubt, paraphrase rather than reuse the slang form.

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Australia
#2·Apr 27, 2026AUS

(Australia) The sooty tern.

Cluster: general
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For specific readers

Whalebird means: Any of several species of large Antarctic petrels, especially and .. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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🇦🇺About Australian & NZ slang slang

Aussie and Kiwi vocabulary — bogan, daggy, brekkie, sheila, bach, jandals — the whole Antipodean lexicon, including outback dialect, surf and beach culture, and Sydney/Melbourne street slang.

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