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
Bigg’s killer whales live in the North Pacific Ocean.
—
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025
For the first time, a group of killer whales has been documented preying upon a prickly shark, a rare deep-sea dweller, according to a study published on March 20 in the journal Frontiers in Fish Science.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2025
The family is part of a group of orcas called Biggs killer whales or transient killer whales.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 20 Mar. 2025
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, false killer whales bear a similar appearance to orcas — often called killer whales — but are actually part of the dolphin family.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 19 Feb. 2025
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Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025
For the first time, a group of killer whales has been documented preying upon a prickly shark, a rare deep-sea dweller, according to a study published on March 20 in the journal Frontiers in Fish Science.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2025
The family is part of a group of orcas called Biggs killer whales or transient killer whales.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 20 Mar. 2025
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, false killer whales bear a similar appearance to orcas — often called killer whales — but are actually part of the dolphin family.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for killer whale
Cite this Entry
“Killer whale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/killer%20whale. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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