predator

noun

pred·​a·​tor ˈpre-də-tər How to pronounce predator (audio) -ˌtȯr How to pronounce predator (audio)
1
: an organism that primarily obtains food by the killing and consuming of other organisms : an organism that lives by predation
The threadworm is a tiny nematode; its manifold kin include human parasites such as the hookworm, although the lab species is no parasite but an abundant, free-living predator of soil bacteria.Eleanor E. MacCoby
In a new environment, with no predators, an exotic plant can theoretically run riot.
especially : an animal that preys on other animals
With no large predators around, the koala rarely meets a violent end. Denis Gray
The picture that emerges from my research in a near-wilderness environment is that of the red fox as a specialized predator of small prey (insects, songbirds, small rodents, rabbits), with highly evolved and intriguing adaptations for this type of hunting … J. David Henry
Some spiders and caterpillars mimic bird droppings—an excellent strategy for deterring avian predators. James Martin
2
: one who injures or exploits others for personal gain or profit
Businessmen, he believed, were often predatorsNathan Glick
Neighborhood predators found that setting a fire was an excellent distraction for robbery. The burned-out structure could then be looted at leisure …Tom Buckley
see also sexual predator

Examples of predator in a Sentence

predators like bears and wolves The population of rabbits is controlled by natural predators. a corporate predator acquiring business rivals
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.
If female whale sharks give birth in these environments, their newborns could have a temporary advantage, staying in areas where potential predators struggle to survive. Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 Scientists theorized that this species’ small stature likely made them at high risk for attacks from local predators, like sabertooth cats and giant hyenas. Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2025 As much as the nine-episode series follows an overall adventure-of-the-week structure (highlights include a courtroom drama and holiday heist), Matt’s pain and persona are never far from the surface, just as his predators lurk around every corner. Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2025 The team did it again in May, announcing the discovery of a new species of abelisaurid, a short-armed predator, McClatchy News reported. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for predator

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of predator was in 1581

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Cite this Entry

“Predator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predator. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

predator

noun
pred·​a·​tor ˈpred-ət-ər How to pronounce predator (audio) -ə-ˌtȯ(ə)r How to pronounce predator (audio)
: an animal that obtains food mostly by killing and eating other animals

More from Merriam-Webster on predator

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