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

"These two communities of transient killer whale inhabit very different worlds and lead distinctly different lives," said Dr. Trites.

From Science Daily • Nov. 20, 2025

A killer whale, which captured the world's attention in 2018 when it was spotted pushing the dead body of its newborn calf for 17 days, appears to be grieving again.

From BBC • Jan. 2, 2025

The enhanced detail has allowed scientists to “look back through time,” Morin said, and answer questions about which killer whale populations are closely related — or not — and when differences emerged.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2024

Tanned hides of elk and deer are stretched onto drums, for example, and animals like the killer whale are revered symbols of the hunt itself.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 19, 2024

But when a killer whale catches and eats a baby seal, I immediately change it back to the Korean variety show.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh