killer

1 of 2

noun

kill·​er ˈki-lər How to pronounce killer (audio)
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

killer

2 of 2

adjective

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

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
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
And Fox is still a killer in the clutch, so Wembanyama gets to pick his spots in growing more into his superstardom. Zach Harper, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025 Among the forward group, Granlund was the Sharks’ leading penalty killer, and Celebrini will be one of those asked to help pick up the slack. Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025 The novel, by Colorado writer Carter Wilson, goes back and forth between Poe’s attempt to find the killer and the Halloween interview with the killer in charge. Sandra Dallas, The Denver Post, 2 Feb. 2025 While details regarding his character have not been announced, the actor previously played Sidney Prescott's half-brother Roman Bridger — who was revealed to be the Ghostface killer in Scream 3. Jordana Comiter, People.com, 1 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for killer 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1951, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of killer was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near killer

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

killer

1 of 2 noun
ˈkil-ər
1
: one that kills
2

killer

2 of 2 adjective
1
: strikingly impressive or effective
a killer smile
2
: extremely difficult
a killer exam
also : causing death or devastation
a killer tornado

More from Merriam-Webster on killer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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