1
: one that kills
2
3
a
: one that has a forceful, violent, or striking impact
b
: one that is extremely difficult to deal with
1
: strikingly impressive or effective
a killer smile
a killer résumé
2
: extremely difficult to deal with
a killer fastball
also
: causing death or devastation
a killer tornado
Synonyms
Examples of killer in a Sentence
Noun
Heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women.
The chemical is used as a weed killer.
Adjective
killer viruses that claimed millions of lives
a killer exercise program guaranteed to whip you into shape
Recent Examples on the Web
Jack Prator, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Dec. 2024
In doing so, the Red Sox may have now added the number one Yankees killer to their roster.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2024
Or head straight for a weed killer to eliminate these unwanted plants.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2024
Roles And Responsibilities: Clarity Over Chaos, Ownership Over Overlap
Ambiguity is the silent killer of productivity.
—Anjai Lal, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for killer 
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.
Noun
Climate change is already making water, the biggest killer during tropical systems, more deadly, said David Keelings, a University of Florida professor who researches climate extremes.
—Jack Prator, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Dec. 2024
In doing so, the Red Sox may have now added the number one Yankees killer to their roster.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2024
Or head straight for a weed killer to eliminate these unwanted plants.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2024
Roles And Responsibilities: Clarity Over Chaos, Ownership Over Overlap
Ambiguity is the silent killer of productivity.
—Anjai Lal, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for killer
Dictionary Entries Near killer
Cite this Entry
“Killer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/killer. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share