killer whale
Definition of killer whale
: 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
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First Known Use of killer whale
1884
KILLER WHALE Defined for English Language Learners
killer whale
Definition of killer whale for English Language Learners
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: a black-and-white whale that kills and eats other animals (such as seals)
KILLER WHALE Defined for Kids
killer whale
Definition of killer whale for Students
: a toothed whale that is mostly black above and white below and feeds especially on fish, squid, birds, and sea mammals (as seals)
Learn More about killer whale
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See words that rhyme with killer whale Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about killer whale
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