predator

noun

pred·​a·​tor ˈpre-də-tər How to pronounce predator (audio) -ˌtȯr How to pronounce predator (audio)
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 predatorsNathan 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

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
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.
These predators typically patrol altitudes below 10,000 feet, especially around dawn when their prey begins flying again after nighttime rest. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025 The reintroduced apex predators remained in watersheds just west of metro Denver, in areas that include Gilpin, Clear Creek and Jefferson counties, the map shows. Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 27 June 2025 The apex predators come to the Cape every summer and fall to hunt for seals. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 26 June 2025 Methylmercury accumulates up the food chain, so apex predators such as sharks, tuna and swordfish have the highest concentrations. Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for predator

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of predator was in 1581

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Cite this Entry

“Predator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predator. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

predator

noun
pred·​a·​tor ˈpred-ət-ər How to pronounce predator (audio) -ə-ˌtȯ(ə)r How to pronounce predator (audio)
: an animal that obtains food mostly by killing and eating other animals

More from Merriam-Webster on predator

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