killer whale

noun

: a relatively small toothed whale (Orcinus orca of the family Delphinidae) that is black above with white underparts and white oval-shaped patches behind the eyes, attains a length of 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters), typically hunts in groups, and preys chiefly on sea mammals (such as seals, sea lions, and other whales), large fish, and squid

called also orca

Examples of killer whale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Giles tells the story of Luna, a young Southern Resident killer whale who was separated from his pod and trapped in the Nootka Sound off the west coast of Vancouver Island. Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025 This is only the 10th time since 2000 southern resident killer whales have been documented in Monterey Bay, viewers said. Paloma Chavez, Sacramento Bee, 5 Mar. 2025 Malnutrition, killer whale predation, entanglement and vessel strikes were documented as the main causes of death, researchers said. Adrian Rodriguez, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2025 Blackfish had substantive change on more than just SeaWorld’s share price — laws regarding orca captivity have been passed in the film’s wake, and SeaWorld has moved away from live performances featuring killer whales. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for killer whale

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of killer whale was in 1884

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Cite this Entry

“Killer whale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/killer%20whale. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

killer whale

noun
kill·​er whale
ˈkil-ər-
: a flesh-eating mostly black toothed whale 20 to 30 feet (about 6 to 9 meters) long that travels in groups

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