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

• bloodsucker
• buzzard
• harpy
• kite
• shark
• vampire
• 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

Experts warn that this trend exploits teens and could expose them to predators and long-term emotional harm. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 14 June 2025

Felines are both predators and prey, and climbing offers them a useful advantage. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025

Colossal squid, for example, face forward enabling them with binocular vision while other species’ eyes are on the side of the head, allowing the squid to see both in front and behind in the search for prey or predators. —Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 12 June 2025

Wolves are, in fact, opportunistic predators, and should never be considered harmless. —Jonathan C. Slaght, The Atlantic, 11 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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