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
In short, the killer whales may just be charitable or curious.
—
Brendan Rascius
july 2, Miami Herald, 2 July 2025
Kelp forests are also critical nursery habitat for juvenile chinook salmon — a key part of killer whales’ diet, Giles said.
—Marlowe Starling, CNN Money, 23 June 2025
Other highlights from the Shark Week 2025 slate include Great White Assassins, a look into how some killer whales easily hunt and kill great white sharks, and In the Eye of the Storm: Shark Storm, an exploration of shark attacks along the Gulf Coast in 2024.
—Kelli Bender, People.com, 23 June 2025
The scientists saw first-hand how resident orcas off the west coast of North America were sourcing kelp and breaking pieces off the plants, then pressing it against another killer whale's body.
—New Atlas, 23 June 2025
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Brendan Rascius
july 2, Miami Herald, 2 July 2025
Kelp forests are also critical nursery habitat for juvenile chinook salmon — a key part of killer whales’ diet, Giles said.
—Marlowe Starling, CNN Money, 23 June 2025
Other highlights from the Shark Week 2025 slate include Great White Assassins, a look into how some killer whales easily hunt and kill great white sharks, and In the Eye of the Storm: Shark Storm, an exploration of shark attacks along the Gulf Coast in 2024.
—Kelli Bender, People.com, 23 June 2025
The scientists saw first-hand how resident orcas off the west coast of North America were sourcing kelp and breaking pieces off the plants, then pressing it against another killer whale's body.
—New Atlas, 23 June 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 16 Jul. 2025.
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