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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
Gabriela Cowperthwaite Twitter aside, there’s no better way to get indignant in a short amount of time than by watching Blackfish, Gabriela Cowperthwaite’s documentary look into the world of captive killer whales.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025
Another local orca species, however, is making a comeback, with record sightings of Bigg's killer whales reported last year, according to the Pacific Whale Watch Association and Orca Behavior Institute.
—Christine Clarridge, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025
Scientists think the killer whale is likely to be expressing grief.
—Evan Bush, NBC News, 3 Jan. 2025
Tahlequah, the killer whale who carried her dead calf and swam with him for 17 days in 2018, has likely suffered another loss.
—Staff Author, People.com, 1 Jan. 2025
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Word History
First Known Use
1884, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near killer whale
Cite this Entry
“Killer whale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/killer%20whale. Accessed 31 Jan. 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
More from Merriam-Webster on killer whale
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about killer whale
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