predator

noun

pred·​a·​tor ˈpre-də-tər  -ˌtȯr 

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 predators …

—Nathan 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

Synonyms

• bloodsucker
• buzzard
• harpy
• kite
• shark
• vampire
• vulture
• wolf

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

This strategic approach allows easier access to critical organs, particularly the liver, which is rich in lipids and nutritionally important for the predators. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024

Yet hungry predators prowling the surface world would likely pose this biggest risk, and be sure to pick off any ground squirrels that made the mistake of exiting the nest during the lean, winter months when prey is scarce and there’s nowhere to hide. —Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 28 Nov. 2024

The footprints are the first physical proof that different hominin species overlapped in exactly the same time and space, dodging predators and finding food in the ancient landscape, according to the study. —Katie Hunt, CNN, 28 Nov. 2024

First discovered in the Tan Phu cave—part of a lava-tube cave system in Vietnam—these creatures belong to a rare group of cockroaches that have carved a unique niche in the ecosystem alongside bats, who are both ally and predator. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing predator

• sexual predator

Kids Definition

predator

noun

pred·​a·​tor ˈpred-ət-ər  -ə-ˌtȯ(ə)r 

: an animal that obtains food mostly by killing and eating other animals