1
: one that kills
2
3
a
: one that has a forceful, violent, or striking impact
b
: one that is extremely difficult to deal with
1
: strikingly impressive or effective
a killer smile
a killer résumé
2
: extremely difficult to deal with
a killer fastball
also
: causing death or devastation
a killer tornado
Examples of killer in a Sentence
Noun
Heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women.
The chemical is used as a weed killer.
Adjective
killer viruses that claimed millions of lives
a killer exercise program guaranteed to whip you into shape
Recent Examples on the Web
Pat Saperstein, Variety, 15 Feb. 2026
In 2021, the CBS sequel series Clarice addressed Buffalo Bill's transphobic legacy by introducing a trans character, played by activist Jen Richards, who was forced to reckon with the impact of the serial killer's fame.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026
Qasem Awad has waited for more than a year for his son’s killer to be brought to justice.
—Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
But deep down, this is a cold-blooded killer who was handsome and had the gift of gab.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for killer
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Noun
Potente guest-stars this season as the chilling killer Irene Vaggan, who is obsessed with Navajo culture and Leaphorn in particular, while Udo Kier, who died in November, makes one of his final appearances as her evil, yet fading grandfather Gunther.
—Pat Saperstein, Variety, 15 Feb. 2026
In 2021, the CBS sequel series Clarice addressed Buffalo Bill's transphobic legacy by introducing a trans character, played by activist Jen Richards, who was forced to reckon with the impact of the serial killer's fame.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026
Qasem Awad has waited for more than a year for his son’s killer to be brought to justice.
—Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
But deep down, this is a cold-blooded killer who was handsome and had the gift of gab.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for killer
Cite this Entry
“Killer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/killer. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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