1
: the act of one that kills
2
3
: a sudden notable gain or profit
made a killing in the stock market
1
: that kills or relates to killing
2
: highly amusing
3
: extremely difficult to deal with
the suspense is killing
also
: calling for great strength, stamina, or endurance
a killing schedule
Examples of killing in a Sentence
Noun
The oil spill is responsible for the killing of thousands of birds.
Adjective
he's usually quiet, but occasionally unleashes some killing remark that cracks everyone up
a killing schedule that requires the touring company to play in a different city every night
Recent Examples on the Web
CBS News, 20 June 2025
In 2022, Sima took part in anti-government protests sparked by the killing of Mahsa Amini, 22, in police custody.
—Sara Monetta, NBC news, 19 June 2025
John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
So tragically, there will be more killing and more destruction in Gaza.
—Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for killing
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Noun
In February, Mexico sent 29 cartel figures — including drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero, who was behind the killing of a U.S. DEA agent in 1985 — to the U.S. for prosecution.
—CBS News, 20 June 2025
In 2022, Sima took part in anti-government protests sparked by the killing of Mahsa Amini, 22, in police custody.
—Sara Monetta, NBC news, 19 June 2025
Adjective
When forces from his past come for revenge, Mark needs to get himself out of the bind without killing anyone and ruining his non-killing streak.
—John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
So tragically, there will be more killing and more destruction in Gaza.
—Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for killing
Cite this Entry
“Killing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/killing. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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