: having or being a policy that prohibits killing
a no-kill fishing tournament
especially : having or being a policy that prohibits or severely limits the euthanizing of animals in a shelter
"I will spare no expense on veterinary care for our pets," says Renee, who has nine cats and is on the board of a no-kill shelter. Catherine Fredman
… shelters can euthanize up to 10 percent of their animals for reasons of health and temperament, and still be considered "no-kill." Greg Allen

Examples of no-kill 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.
Now in its third year, the Great American Rescue Bowl is a two-hour original special hailing once more from the Great American Family Channel and North Shore Animal League America — the world's largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 5 Feb. 2025 Pets In Need, a no-kill shelter, said there is an urgent need for foster families, adoptive pet parents and donations as more animals from Southern California are on the way. Ryan MacAsero, The Mercury News, 1 Feb. 2025 Owners looking to rehome a pet should seek out no-kill rescues for assistance or other options, like family and friends, before surrendering an animal to a kill shelter or abandoning them for animal control to find. Becca Longmire, People.com, 26 Jan. 2025 Furry friends find safety Animal rescuers saved pets affected by wildfires in Southern California by flying more than 80 cats and dogs to a no-kill shelter in Utah. Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for no-kill

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of no-kill was in 1964

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Cite this Entry

“No-kill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/no-kill. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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