Definition of dolphin

• n. - A cetacean of the genus Delphinus and allied genera (esp. D. delphis); the true dolphin.
• n. - The Coryphaena hippuris, a fish of about five feet in length, celebrated for its surprising changes of color when dying. It is the fish commonly known as the dolphin. See Coryphaenoid.
• n. - A mass of iron or lead hung from the yardarm, in readiness to be dropped on the deck of an enemy's vessel.
• n. - A kind of wreath or strap of plaited cordage.
• n. - A spar or buoy held by an anchor and furnished with a ring to which ships may fasten their cables.
• n. - A mooring post on a wharf or beach.
• n. - A permanent fender around a heavy boat just below the gunwale.
• n. - In old ordnance, one of the handles above the trunnions by which the gun was lifted.
• n. - A small constellation between Aquila and Pegasus. See Delphinus, n., 2.