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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But these songs can reach over 1,500 hertz, and are easy for killer whales to hear. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 7 Feb. 2025 Related links Wanna get up close with a killer whale in the wild? Laylan Connelly, Orange County Register, 30 Jan. 2025 The cause of death of the calf is unclear, but experts shared that the first year of life for a young killer whale is the most critical and dangerous. Sabienna Bowman, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025 There were 72 southern resident killer whales counted during the 2020 census, though several calves have been born since then. Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 2 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 21 Feb. 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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