predator

noun

pred·​a·​tor ˈpre-də-tər  -ˌtȯr 

1

: an organism that primarily obtains food by the killing and consuming of other organisms : an organism that lives by predation

The threadworm is a tiny nematode; its manifold kin include human parasites such as the hookworm, although the lab species is no parasite but an abundant, free-living predator of soil bacteria.

—Eleanor E. MacCoby

In a new environment, with no predators, an exotic plant can theoretically run riot.

especially : an animal that preys on other animals

With no large predators around, the koala rarely meets a violent end.

—Denis Gray

The picture that emerges from my research in a near-wilderness environment is that of the red fox as a specialized predator of small prey (insects, songbirds, small rodents, rabbits), with highly evolved and intriguing adaptations for this type of hunting …

—J. David Henry

Some spiders and caterpillars mimic bird droppings—an excellent strategy for deterring avian predators.

—James Martin

2

: one who injures or exploits others for personal gain or profit

Businessmen, he believed, were often predators …

—Nathan Glick

Neighborhood predators found that setting a fire was an excellent distraction for robbery. The burned-out structure could then be looted at leisure …

—Tom Buckley

see also sexual predator

Synonyms of predator

• vampire
• shark
• vulture
• wolf

Examples of predator in a Sentence

predators like bears and wolves

The population of rabbits is controlled by natural predators.

a corporate predator acquiring business rivals

Recent Examples on the Web

Around the world, birds flock to salt lakes, drawn by the flies and brine shrimp that live in them, and by the relative absence of predators. —Rosa Lyster, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026

Hippos have an average lifespan of up to 50 years and no natural predators in Colombia, which is why the population ballooned from just four to nearly 200 today. —Carlie Procell, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026

In today’s context, a 1996 film that brings down a dangerous ring of child predators feels ahead of its time, but during its release, there was more emphasis on poking holes in Carcaterra’s claim that Sleepers is based on his own true life story. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 25 Apr. 2026

There's also a perception that squishy invertebrates — creatures without backbones — weren't formidable enough to join the ranks of top predators. —CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing predator

• sexual predator

Rhymes for predator

• creditor
• editor
• coeditor

Kids Definition

predator

noun

pred·​a·​tor ˈpred-ət-ər  -ə-ˌtȯ(ə)r 

: an animal that obtains food mostly by killing and eating other animals