Harpoon

Pronunciation: /hɑrˈpun/

Definitions of harpoon

noun a long spear-like weapon used for hunting large fish or whales

Example Sentences

A1 The fisherman used a harpoon to catch a big fish.

A2 Sailors in the past used harpoons to hunt whales.

B1 The harpoon was carefully crafted by the skilled blacksmith.

B2 The whaling ship was equipped with harpoons of different sizes.

C1 The harpoon pierced through the thick hide of the whale, securing a successful catch.

C2 The museum displayed a collection of ancient harpoons used by indigenous tribes for hunting.

Examples of harpoon in a Sentence

formal The whalers used a harpoon to hunt down the whale.

informal He grabbed the harpoon and went fishing off the pier.

slang I can't believe he harpooned that huge fish all by himself!

figurative Her words were like a sharp harpoon, piercing through his heart.

Grammatical Forms of harpoon

• past tense: harpooned
• plural: harpoons
• comparative: more harpoon
• superlative: most harpoon
• present tense: harpoons
• future tense: will harpoon
• perfect tense: have harpooned
• continuous tense: is harpooning
• singular: harpoon
• positive degree: harpoon
• infinitive: to harpoon
• gerund: harpooning
• participle: harpooning

Origin and Evolution of harpoon

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Dutch and Old French

Story behind the word: The word 'harpoon' originated from the Dutch word 'harpoen' which came from the Old French word 'herpon' meaning a barbed spear or javelin.

Evolution of the word: Originally used as a barbed spear or javelin for hunting whales and large fish, the term 'harpoon' has evolved to encompass any barbed or spear-like weapon used for hunting or fishing in general.