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 Those observations by scientists from the University of British Columbia Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries (IOF) are notable because deep-water-grazing orcas may represent a new subcategory of killer whales, according to another study in Aquatic Mammals. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 20 Mar. 2024 Images of killer whales can be sent to oceaniceologyrg@gmail.com. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 20 Mar. 2024 Studies of killer whales living in the Pacific off the U.S. West Coast show that females stop reproducing at around age 40, but often live into their 60s and even their 80s. Fox News, 15 Mar. 2024 This occurrence also challenges existing theories about the hunting strategies of killer whales, as previous research led scientists to believe that orcas primarily hunt in groups rather than by themselves. Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024 Understanding How Whales Communicate The Attack of Tilikum Perhaps the most infamous orca attack involved Tilikum, a killer whale kept at SeaWorld between 1992 and 2017. Max Bennett, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2024 What is the significance of a hideous mask made from the hide of a killer whale? Alida Becker, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2024 The show cuts to the money shots of modern-day killer whales, great whites and saltwater crocs munching their prey as an illustration of how the pliosaurs might have dined. William Booth, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2024 The group of orcas — or killer whales, as they’re commonly called — have made their way up and down the coast several times, from San Diego to Ventura. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'killer whale.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near killer whale

Cite this Entry

“Killer whale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/killer%20whale. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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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