killer whale

American  

noun

1. any of several predatory dolphins, especially the black-and-white Orcinus orca, found in all seas.

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killer whale British  

noun

1. Also called: killer.   grampus.   orc.  a predatory black-and-white toothed whale, Orcinus orca, with a large erect dorsal fin, most common in cold seas: family Delphinidae

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Etymology

Origin of killer whale

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

In today’s oceans, food chains typically reach only six levels, with animals such as killer whales and great white sharks sitting at the top.

From Science Daily

"The size means that the animal would rival the largest killer whales, making it an extraordinary predator to encounter in riverine environments not previously associated with such giant marine reptiles," says Ahlberg.

From Science Daily

"The inner coast killer whales are like city dwellers," said co-author Dr. Andrew Trites, IOF professor and director of the Marine Mammal Research Unit.

From Science Daily

The 20-strong crew’s only outside company were pods of dolphins and killer whales, stray icebergs and the northern lights dancing across the night sky.

From The Wall Street Journal

In total, twenty whales - one killer whale and 19 belugas whales - have died at Marineland since 2019, according to the Canadian Press.

From BBC