(OS grid ref NY5221) A hamlet in Lowther parish, Eden district, Cumbria, England .

Any one of numerous large marine mammals comprising an informal group within infraorder Cetacea that usually excludes dolphins and porpoises.

(by extension) Any species of Cetacea.

(figurative) Something, or someone, that is very large.

(figurative, as "whale of a ___") Something, or someone, that is excellent.

(gambling) In a casino, a person who routinely bets at the maximum limit allowable.

(finance, informal) An investor who deals with very large amounts of money.

(marketing, by extension) A person who spends large amounts of money on things that are marketed to them.

(slang, offensive) An overweight person (usually used against women)

(intransitive) To hunt for whales.

(slang, transitive) To thrash, to flog, to beat vigorously or soundly.