What does whalebone mean?
Whalebone has two distinct meanings. In biology, it refers to the baleen plates found in certain whales, used for filtering small organisms from water. In fashion, 'whalebone' historically refers to corsets or stays stiffened with whalebone, steel, or other materials to provide a smooth silhouette. The term originated from the use of whalebone or baleen in corsetry. Whalebone corsets were a staple of women's fashion in the 18th and 19th centuries, providing a rigid structure under clothing. While whalebone itself is no longer commonly used in corsetry, the term remains in historical and literary contexts.
A series of bony or keratinous plates in certain whales.
"The whale's mouth was filled with long, fringed plates of baleen."
A corset made from whalebone or a similar material.
"The Victorian woman's figure was tightly laced into a whalebone corset."
Historically used to describe corsets stiffened with whalebone or steel.
Used for multiple corsets or whalebone fragments.
"The costume designer collected several whalebones for use in her historical reenactment costumes."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of whalebone
The term 'whalebone' dates back to the 15th century, derived from the Old English words 'hwæl' (whale) and 'bān' (bone). Historically, whalebone referred to the baleen plates found in certain whales. The term later came to be used in fashion for corsets stiffened with whalebone or similar materials.
How whalebone is actually used
In modern usage, 'whalebone' often refers specifically to corsets or stays made from whalebone or similar materials, rather than the whale's baleen itself.