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
The pod of Bigg's killer whales visited Elliott Bay and were seemingly on a hunt underwater just off Seattle's maritime industrial docks.
—
CBS News, 4 Mar. 2025
During a press conference, Brendon Clark, an officer with the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, said the animals are false killer whales, a species of dolphin generally found in deep off-shore waters.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
Tahlequah, the killer whale who carried her dead calf and swam with him for 17 days, has given birth to her second baby since 2018.
—Gil MacIas, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024
In the southern Gulf of California, a pod of killer whales surfaces in the glassy morning water.
—Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Dec. 2024
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CBS News, 4 Mar. 2025
During a press conference, Brendon Clark, an officer with the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, said the animals are false killer whales, a species of dolphin generally found in deep off-shore waters.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
Tahlequah, the killer whale who carried her dead calf and swam with him for 17 days, has given birth to her second baby since 2018.
—Gil MacIas, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024
In the southern Gulf of California, a pod of killer whales surfaces in the glassy morning water.
—Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Dec. 2024
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 24 Mar. 2025.
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