killer whale

noun

: a relatively small toothed whale (Orcinus orca of the family Delphinidae) that is black above with white underparts and white oval-shaped patches behind the eyes, attains a length of 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters), typically hunts in groups, and preys chiefly on sea mammals (such as seals, sea lions, and other whales), large fish, and squid

called also orca

Examples of killer whale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The findings are unique because, while killer whales have been observed preying on white sharks off of South Africa and California, they have never been verifiably documented doing so off of Australia. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025 Orcas — also known as killer whales — are once again on the offensive. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024 But these songs can reach over 1,500 hertz, and are easy for killer whales to hear. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 7 Feb. 2025 Related links Wanna get up close with a killer whale in the wild? Laylan Connelly, Orange County Register, 30 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for killer whale

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of killer whale was in 1884

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Cite this Entry

“Killer whale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/killer%20whale. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

killer whale

noun
kill·​er whale
ˈkil-ər-
: a flesh-eating mostly black toothed whale 20 to 30 feet (about 6 to 9 meters) long that travels in groups

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