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

In footage obtained by PEOPLE, one killer whale launches itself into the air and flips before crashing back into the sea. —Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026

Twenty whales — 19 belugas and one killer whale — have died at Marineland since 2019, according to provincial government data obtained through freedom-of-information laws and official statements. —ABC News, 3 June 2026

Others who pass through include minke whales, pilot whales, sperm whales, orcas, and the species of dolphin known as the false killer whale. —Alanna Bennett, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Apr. 2026

Killer whales off New England The aquarium says killer whale sightings are uncommon in New England waters. —Neal Riley, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for killer whale

• abigail
• cottontail
• countervail
• fingernail
• martingale
• mesoscale
• microscale
• monorail
• nanoscale
• ponytail
• swallowtail
• wensleydale

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