1. plural of harpooner; people who hunt whales or other large sea creatures using harpoons
Usage: historical; nautical

Examples

• The harpooners aboard the whaling ship worked in coordinated teams to bring down the massive whale.
• In the 19th century, harpooners were skilled and dangerous jobs that required years of training.
• Moby Dick features harpooners like Starbuck and Stubb who hunt the great white whale.
• The harpooners stood ready in their small boats, harpoons raised and waiting.
• Historical accounts describe how harpooners risked their lives in pursuit of whales.