killer instinct

noun

: an aggressive tenacious urge for domination in a struggle to attain a set goal

Examples of killer instinct in a Sentence

Her killer instincts have helped her become one of the top tennis players in the world.
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.
The slick shooting, killer instinct, and trash talk combined to create the greatest scorer in WNBA history. Zach Harper, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025 Before his passing, Kobe Bryant would routinely mention Taurasi as the most polished player in women’s hoops and praise her killer instinct. Shane Young, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 Until the Rangers acquire a killer instinct and a desire to crush their opponents no cup is going to be at the end of the rainbow. Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025 The Avs lost some of the killer instinct and became more passive, looking for pretty plays instead of simple shots against a beleaguered Blues squad. Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 31 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for killer instinct

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of killer instinct was in 1931

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Cite this Entry

“Killer instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/killer%20instinct. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on killer instinct

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