killer whale

noun

: a relatively small toothed whale (Orcinus orca of the family Delphinidae) that is black above with white underparts and white oval-shaped patches behind the eyes, attains a length of 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters), typically hunts in groups, and preys chiefly on sea mammals (such as seals, sea lions, and other whales), large fish, and squid

called also orca

Examples of killer whale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If sharks attacking whales is fleetingly rare, it is known that some orca pods – also known as killer whales – are adept whale killers. —Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 16 July 2024

Polar bears and killer whales are the species' only natural predators, according to the Marine Mammal Commission. —Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 25 July 2024

There's been a bonanza of Bigg's killer whales in the Salish Sea this summer. —Christine Clarridge, Axios, 13 Aug. 2024

Fun fact: Fourteen Bigg's babies have been officially added to the population so far this year, bringing the coastal Bigg's killer whale population to roughly 380 individuals, per PWWA and OBI. —Christine Clarridge, Axios, 13 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

killer whale

noun

kill·​er whale

ˈkil-ər-

: a flesh-eating mostly black toothed whale 20 to 30 feet (about 6 to 9 meters) long that travels in groups