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
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Orcas are highly social animals, and killer whales in the Southern Resident clan are known for behaviors that reinforce social connections, such as elaborate greeting ceremonies. Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 7 Dec. 2024 These predation events, documented between 2018 and 2024, reveal a coordinated and strategic approach by a pod of killer whales. Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024 When hunting for whale sharks — the world’s largest fish — a pod of killer whales appears to target the youngest most vulnerable sharks, ram them to turn them upside done — thus immobilizing them, and will then focus on high value organs like the heart and liver. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 29 Nov. 2024 Pods of killer whales, or orcas, stay around the San Juan Islands year-round. Catherine Garcia, theweek, 25 Nov. 2024 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 Dec. 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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