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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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 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

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

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