Harpoon/hɑːrˈpuːn/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Tool Description Emphasize that it's a large, heavy implement, not just any long stick. Old seafaring tales often describe the heavy harpoon ready by the ship's edge. Pro Tip 2/3Historical Use Understand it's an ancient tool, historically used for hunting marine life. Museums display ancient harpoons made of bone and stone. Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use Sometimes used metaphorically to describe anything that captures or hooks. His final argument was a harpoon that clinched the debate.