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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
But these songs can reach over 1,500 hertz, and are easy for killer whales to hear.
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Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 7 Feb. 2025
Related links Wanna get up close with a killer whale in the wild?
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Laylan Connelly, Orange County Register, 30 Jan. 2025
The cause of death of the calf is unclear, but experts shared that the first year of life for a young killer whale is the most critical and dangerous.
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Sabienna Bowman, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025
There were 72 southern resident killer whales counted during the 2020 census, though several calves have been born since then.
—
Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 2 Jan. 2025
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Word History
First Known Use
1884, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near killer whale
Cite this Entry
“Killer whale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/killer%20whale. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
killer whale
noun
kill·er whale
ˈkil-ər-
: a flesh-eating mostly black toothed whale 20 to 30 feet (about 6 to 9 meters) long that travels in groups
More from Merriam-Webster on killer whale
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about killer whale
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