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 This occurrence also challenges existing theories about the hunting strategies of killer whales, as previous research led scientists to believe that orcas primarily hunt in groups rather than by themselves. Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024 Understanding How Whales Communicate The Attack of Tilikum Perhaps the most infamous orca attack involved Tilikum, a killer whale kept at SeaWorld between 1992 and 2017. Max Bennett, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2024 What is the significance of a hideous mask made from the hide of a killer whale? Alida Becker, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2024 The show cuts to the money shots of modern-day killer whales, great whites and saltwater crocs munching their prey as an illustration of how the pliosaurs might have dined. William Booth, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2024 The group of orcas — or killer whales, as they’re commonly called — have made their way up and down the coast several times, from San Diego to Ventura. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2024 The researchers based their findings on tissue samples from a dozen killer whales that washed ashore in British Columbia between 2006 and 2018, before record-breaking wildfires incinerated vast areas of California and the Pacific Northwest in recent years. Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2024 Those whales might then also be killer whale prey, not just the large whales, but also a lot of other marine species that might also be killer whale prey. Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 5 Jan. 2024 The predatory nature of these killer whales has ocean enthusiasts like Roop torn – sad to see the dolphins slaughtered but glad the orcas are hanging around for up-close, intimate encounters. Laylan Connelly, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'killer whale.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 18 Mar. 2024.

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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