: having or being a policy that prohibits killing
a no-kill fishing tournament
especially : having or being a policy that prohibits or severely limits the euthanizing of animals in a shelter
"I will spare no expense on veterinary care for our pets," says Renee, who has nine cats and is on the board of a no-kill shelter. Catherine Fredman
… shelters can euthanize up to 10 percent of their animals for reasons of health and temperament, and still be considered "no-kill." Greg Allen

Examples of no-kill in a Sentence

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.
In addition to contacting local organizations (including no-kill shelters and breed-specific rescues), consider reaching out to friends, family or a trusted acquaintance who might be able to provide a loving home — but screen carefully. Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 27 July 2025 The Scratching Post, a no-kill cat shelter in Sharonville. Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 25 July 2025 Nine puppies from parts of Texas submerged by catastrophic flooding that killed at least 132 people arrived Wednesday at the no-kill shelter PAWS Chicago, joining dozens of puppies that were already here. Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025 Last year, Sisi drew more than 50 fans to the races, with all of their ticket sales going to the Seal Beach Animal Center, a no-kill shelter that benefits from the annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals hosted each July at the Los Alamitos Race Course. Emilie Takahashi, Oc Register, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for no-kill

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of no-kill was in 1964

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Cite this Entry

“No-kill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/no-kill. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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