school of whales crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "school of whales crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
POD: A common term for a group of marine mammals, especially whales or dolphins.
GAM: Refers to a social meeting of whales at sea, often used in older nautical contexts.
More About "school of whales crossword clue"
The term "school of whales" is a common way to refer to a group of these magnificent marine creatures. In the world of collective nouns, animals often have specific terms, and whales are no exception. For crossword puzzles, the most frequently encountered answer for a group of whales is "POD," a short and widely recognized term that fits perfectly into many grids.
While "POD" is the most popular, another historically significant term is "GAM." A gam describes a social gathering of whales, particularly a voluntary meeting of two or more whaling ships at sea, or more broadly, the social interaction of whales themselves. This term, though less common in everyday language, often appears in crosswords seeking a more obscure or specific answer.
Understanding these collective nouns can be key to unlocking tricky crossword clues. They highlight the fascinating ways we categorize groups of animals and offer a glimpse into the history of language and marine exploration. Knowing both the common and less common terms will significantly boost your crossword-solving abilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think of Collective Nouns: When a clue refers to a group of animals (e.g., a "school" of whales, a "flock" of birds), immediately consider common collective nouns as potential answers.
- Consider Word Length: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. This is your most crucial hint, helping you narrow down possibilities quickly. For clues like "school of whales," short answers (like 3 letters for POD or GAM) are very common.
- Look for Synonyms and Obscure Terms: Sometimes crosswords use less common synonyms or historical terms. If the obvious answer doesn't fit, think of more specific or archaic words related to the clue, like "GAM" for whales.
- Use Cross-References: Don't try to solve each clue in isolation. The letters from intersecting words are your best friends. Fill in what you know, then use those letters to help deduce the harder answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 'school' of whales generally called?
A 'school' of whales is most commonly referred to as a 'pod'. However, other terms like 'gam' (for a social gathering) or 'herd' are also sometimes used depending on the specific context or species.
Are there other collective nouns for whales?
Yes, beyond 'pod' and 'gam', other collective nouns for whales exist, though less common in crosswords. These can include a 'herd' (especially for larger whales), a 'grist' of whales, or a 'fluke' of whales.
How can I quickly find short crossword answers like this?
For short answers, especially for collective nouns or common objects, try brainstorming common synonyms or specific terms related to the clue. Often, short, frequently used words like 'POD' or 'GAM' are popular in crosswords. Considering the letter count is also crucial.