Pronunciation: [bˈɒtə͡lnˌə͡ʊz dˈɒlfɪn] (IPA) 
The spelling of "bottlenose dolphin" can be confusing for some due to the silent "e" at the end of bottlenose. However, the IPA phonetic transcription provides clarity. The "o" in "bottle" is pronounced as /ɑ/, while the "e" is pronounced as /ə/. The "nose" part is pronounced as expected, with an /o/ sound followed by the /s/ sound. Overall, the correct pronunciation is /ˈbɑt.l̩.noʊz ˈdɑl.fɪn/.
A bottlenose dolphin is a highly intelligent and sociable marine mammal belonging to the family Delphinidae, known for its distinct bottle-shaped snout. Tursiops truncatus, the most common species of bottlenose dolphin, is characterized by its sleek and streamlined body, reaching lengths of up to 12 feet and weighing around 1,400 pounds. They display a grayish coloration on their upper bodies that transitions to a lighter shade on their bellies. Found in oceans and seas around the world, bottlenose dolphins are renowned for their acrobatic displays, including leaping, tail-slapping, and riding the bow waves created by boats.
These dolphins possess a complex repertoire of vocalizations, often emitting clicks and whistles for communication and echolocation purposes, allowing them to navigate their environment and locate prey. As opportunistic hunters, bottlenose dolphins primarily feed on a wide range of fish and cephalopods. With a lifespan of approximately 40 to 50 years, these mammals can be found in both coastal and offshore waters, adapting to various habitats such as bays, estuaries, and open oceans.
Bottlenose dolphins exhibit remarkable intelligence, demonstrating problem-solving abilities and the use of tools. They possess a well-developed social structure, living in pods that can consist of a few individuals to hundreds, where they engage in cooperative behaviors and intricate communication. Because of their captivating nature and cognitive abilities, bottlenose dolphins have become the subjects of extensive study and interaction in captivity, making them one of the most familiar and widely recognized dolphin species.
The word "bottlenose dolphin" is a compound term composed of two distinct parts: "bottlenose" and "dolphin".
The term "bottlenose" originated from the combination of "bottle" and "nose". In this context, it refers to the shape of the dolphin's snout or rostrum, which is rounded and similar in appearance to the shape of a bottle.
The term "dolphin" comes from the Old French word "dolphin", which was derived from the Latin word "delphinus". The Latin term, in turn, was borrowed from the Ancient Greek word "delphīs" or "delphūs", meaning "dolphin".
