1
: the act of one that kills
2
3
: a sudden notable gain or profit
made a killing in the stock market
1
: that kills or relates to killing
2
: highly amusing
3
: extremely difficult to deal with
the suspense is killing
also
: calling for great strength, stamina, or endurance
a killing schedule
Synonyms
Examples of killing in a Sentence
Noun
The oil spill is responsible for the killing of thousands of birds.
Adjective
he's usually quiet, but occasionally unleashes some killing remark that cracks everyone up
a killing schedule that requires the touring company to play in a different city every night
Recent Examples on the Web
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024
In April, Iran conducted its first-ever direct missile and drone strikes on Israel in response to the killing of several Iranian military officials at an Iranian consular facility in Syria.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
John Schandelmeier, Anchorage Daily News, 8 Jan. 2022
For the few pests that do show up, first spray with non-killing repellents such as garlic and garlic pepper tea.
—Howard Garrett, Dallas News, 26 July 2021
See all Example Sentences for killing 
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show current usage.
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Noun
The White House had an additional security perimeter put in place due to the unrest following the killing of George Floyd in 2020.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024
In April, Iran conducted its first-ever direct missile and drone strikes on Israel in response to the killing of several Iranian military officials at an Iranian consular facility in Syria.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
The anti-trapping, anti-killing anything movement has also taken a toll.
—John Schandelmeier, Anchorage Daily News, 8 Jan. 2022
For the few pests that do show up, first spray with non-killing repellents such as garlic and garlic pepper tea.
—Howard Garrett, Dallas News, 26 July 2021
See all Example Sentences for killing
Dictionary Entries Near killing
Cite this Entry
“Killing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/killing. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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