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
Animal advocates had voiced concerns about the treatment of the animals at Seaquarium, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), especially after a killer whale died there in 2023.
—
S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 28 Dec. 2025
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the average lifespan for female killer whales is about 50 years.
—Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
Soon aquariums around the globe began putting in orders for their very own killer whale, and over the next decade more than 50 orcas were captured from the Salish Sea or killed in the process.
—Kelso Harper, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025
The underwater footage revealed that the killer whales were also following dolphins on their dives of up to 60 meters (197 feet), where the orcas were able to prey on Chinook salmon.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 15 Dec. 2025
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S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 28 Dec. 2025
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the average lifespan for female killer whales is about 50 years.
—Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
Soon aquariums around the globe began putting in orders for their very own killer whale, and over the next decade more than 50 orcas were captured from the Salish Sea or killed in the process.
—Kelso Harper, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025
The underwater footage revealed that the killer whales were also following dolphins on their dives of up to 60 meters (197 feet), where the orcas were able to prey on Chinook salmon.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for killer whale
Cite this Entry
“Killer whale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/killer%20whale. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.
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