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
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In one incident, recorded in August 2020 using various cameras as well as a drone that captured aerial footage, a group of five female killer whales were recorded working together to attack a young white shark and remove its liver, before sharing it between them.
—
Jack Guy, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
Orcas — also known as killer whales — are known to be the only natural predators of white sharks and the footage was captured in two separate incidents in 2020 and 2022.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2025
While scientists had previously seen orcas attack great whites, the killer whales mainly targeted adults, both for a larger meal and to get rid of competition for the same prey.
—Ashley Balzer Vigil, Scientific American, 2 Nov. 2025
For Slusser, the Seaquarium holds countless memories — from watching killer whales drench the audience during their shows to seeing nurse sharks and manatees being fed.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 13 Oct. 2025
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Jack Guy, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
Orcas — also known as killer whales — are known to be the only natural predators of white sharks and the footage was captured in two separate incidents in 2020 and 2022.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2025
While scientists had previously seen orcas attack great whites, the killer whales mainly targeted adults, both for a larger meal and to get rid of competition for the same prey.
—Ashley Balzer Vigil, Scientific American, 2 Nov. 2025
For Slusser, the Seaquarium holds countless memories — from watching killer whales drench the audience during their shows to seeing nurse sharks and manatees being fed.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for killer whale
Cite this Entry
“Killer whale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/killer%20whale. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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