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
Soon aquariums around the globe began putting in orders for their very own killer whale, and over the next decade more than 50 orcas were captured from the Salish Sea or killed in the process.
—
Kelso Harper, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025
Their footage showed that the killer whales traveled toward the dolphins and followed them at the surface level.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 15 Dec. 2025
Researchers believe killer whales find salmon by tailing dolphins, who in turn benefit from bite-sized fish pieces.
—New Atlas, 12 Dec. 2025
The study shows that encounters between northern resident killer whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins are not by chance.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for killer whale
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.
Kelso Harper, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025
Their footage showed that the killer whales traveled toward the dolphins and followed them at the surface level.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 15 Dec. 2025
Researchers believe killer whales find salmon by tailing dolphins, who in turn benefit from bite-sized fish pieces.
—New Atlas, 12 Dec. 2025
The study shows that encounters between northern resident killer whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins are not by chance.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 11 Dec. 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 21 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share