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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
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
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Word History
First Known Use
1884, in the meaning defined above
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
More from Merriam-Webster on killer whale
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about killer whale
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