killer instinct

noun

: an aggressive tenacious urge for domination in a struggle to attain a set goal

Examples of killer instinct in a Sentence

Her killer instincts have helped her become one of the top tennis players in the world.

Recent Examples on the Web

Few have been better at Florida, which heads to Chattanooga on Sunday with McMiller leading the way with her scoring and killer instinct. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026

San Diego had World Series aspirations coming into October, but Milwaukee flexed a better killer instinct to tear them to shreds. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Gakpo would add firepower to a Tottenham forward line that is technically gifted, but lacks a killer instinct in front of goal. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2026

When a tragic event makes her hell-bent for revenge, Jackie determines to take out the Demons one by one, unleashing her old killer instincts. — John Hopewell, Variety, 28 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above