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
Malnutrition, killer whale predation, entanglement and vessel strikes were documented as the main causes of death, researchers said.
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Adrian Rodriguez, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2025
Blackfish had substantive change on more than just SeaWorld’s share price — laws regarding orca captivity have been passed in the film’s wake, and SeaWorld has moved away from live performances featuring killer whales.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025
Southern resident killer whales are the only endangered population of killer whales in the U.S., according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
—Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 2 Jan. 2025
The sighting of a baby killer whale in British Columbia has given researchers a sign of hope for the endangered species.
—Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025
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Adrian Rodriguez, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2025
Blackfish had substantive change on more than just SeaWorld’s share price — laws regarding orca captivity have been passed in the film’s wake, and SeaWorld has moved away from live performances featuring killer whales.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025
Southern resident killer whales are the only endangered population of killer whales in the U.S., according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
—Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 2 Jan. 2025
The sighting of a baby killer whale in British Columbia has given researchers a sign of hope for the endangered species.
—Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 12 Apr. 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 2 May. 2025.
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