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
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.
That's down to gardener Harper Starling who protects her home with her killer instincts — literally. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 24 Aug. 2025 But the staging of the fight is awkward, and seems to be going out of its way to protect Wendy, who’s super strong and fast yet doesn’t have any training (nor the killer instincts of her opponent). Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2025 Could Rhodes muster up some killer instinct to put Cena away? Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2025 Similar deal, albeit acting secrets instead of killer instinct? Josh Wigler, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for killer instinct

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of killer instinct was in 1931

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Killer instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/killer%20instinct. Accessed 1 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on killer instinct

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