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
Cite this Entry
“Predator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predator. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.
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