predator

noun

pred·​a·​tor ˈpre-də-tər  -ˌtȯr 

1

: an organism that primarily obtains food by the killing and consuming of other organisms : an organism that lives by predation

The threadworm is a tiny nematode; its manifold kin include human parasites such as the hookworm, although the lab species is no parasite but an abundant, free-living predator of soil bacteria.

—Eleanor E. MacCoby

In a new environment, with no predators, an exotic plant can theoretically run riot.

especially : an animal that preys on other animals

With no large predators around, the koala rarely meets a violent end.

—Denis Gray

The picture that emerges from my research in a near-wilderness environment is that of the red fox as a specialized predator of small prey (insects, songbirds, small rodents, rabbits), with highly evolved and intriguing adaptations for this type of hunting …

—J. David Henry

Some spiders and caterpillars mimic bird droppings—an excellent strategy for deterring avian predators.

—James Martin

2

: one who injures or exploits others for personal gain or profit

Businessmen, he believed, were often predators …

—Nathan Glick

Neighborhood predators found that setting a fire was an excellent distraction for robbery. The burned-out structure could then be looted at leisure …

—Tom Buckley

see also sexual predator

Synonyms

• bloodsucker
• buzzard
• harpy
• kite
• shark
• vampire
• vulture
• wolf

Examples of predator in a Sentence

predators like bears and wolves

The population of rabbits is controlled by natural predators.

a corporate predator acquiring business rivals

Recent Examples on the Web

Coyotes are considered among the most successful predators in North America, with populations spread from Alaska down into Central America and east towards the Great Plains and Northeast. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024

And jumping into a cage to get up close with one of the ocean's most feared and misunderstood predators: white sharks. —Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Outdoor cats generally do not live as long as indoor cats and are at risk of trauma from cars, fights with other cats, free-roaming dogs, and predators, such as raccoons and coyotes. —Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024

As top predators with decades-long life spans, bottlenose dolphins help scientists understand the impacts of pollutants on marine ecosystems – and the related health risks for people living near coasts. —Leslie Hart, Discover Magazine, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing predator

• sexual predator

Kids Definition

predator

noun

pred·​a·​tor ˈpred-ət-ər  -ə-ˌtȯ(ə)r 

: an animal that obtains food mostly by killing and eating other animals