murderer

noun

mur·​der·​er ˈmər-dər-ər 

: one who murders

especially : one who commits the crime of murder

Synonyms of murderer

• assassin
• killer

Examples of murderer in a Sentence

the murderer was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole

Recent Examples on the Web

Federal agents are currently roaming cities under the ruse of going after murderers and rapists but are instead pulling anyone who doesn't fit their idea of what an American looks like out of cars, homes and schools using thuggish methods. —Arkansas Online, 22 Jan. 2026

The Rookie creator Alexi Hawley, who co-wrote the episode with Brynn Malone, spoke to Deadline about Seth’s return, Krumholtz’s creepy murderer, and how The Rookie‘s popularity with young viewers helped get the Numb3rs and Oppenheimer star for the guest star turn. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 Jan. 2026

Tom Cruise is Precrime's chief commanding officer, but the program is turned back around on him when he's flagged as a future murderer himself. —Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Jan. 2026

Our law enforcement officers are on the frontlines arresting terrorists, gang members, murderers, pedophiles, and rapists. —Courtney Kube, NBC news, 19 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing murderer

• mass murderer

Legal Definition

murderer

noun

mur·​der·​er ˈmər-dər-ər 

: a person who commits murder