killer

1 of 2

noun

kill·​er ˈki-lər How to pronounce killer (audio)
Synonyms of killernext
1
: one that kills
2
3
a
: one that has a forceful, violent, or striking impact
b
: one that is extremely difficult to deal with

killer

2 of 2

adjective

1
: strikingly impressive or effective
a killer smile
a killer résumé
2
: extremely difficult to deal with
a killer fastball
also : causing death or devastation
a killer tornado

Examples of killer in a Sentence

Noun Heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women. The chemical is used as a weed killer. Adjective killer viruses that claimed millions of lives a killer exercise program guaranteed to whip you into shape
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
The actress completely transforms into serial killer Aileen Wuornos, delivering a tour de force as a woman struggling to suppress her violent urges. Darren Franich, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026 The greatest killer of American soldiers over the last 20 years has been Iran. NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026 Go to Kopitiam for Malaysian street-food and potent iced coffee in a bag, Golden Diner for a truly killer pancake, and Kiki’s for cozy Greek food. Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Mar. 2026 Shittu’s killer ran off and remains at large. Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for killer

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1939, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of killer was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Killer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/killer. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

killer

1 of 2 noun
ˈkil-ər
1
: one that kills
2

killer

2 of 2 adjective
1
: strikingly impressive or effective
a killer smile
2
: extremely difficult
a killer exam
also : causing death or devastation
a killer tornado

More from Merriam-Webster on killer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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