Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

serial killer

British  

noun

  1. a person who carries out a series of murders

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Forensic criminologist Dr Xanthe Weston also gave evidence from her research into the serial killer.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

But the scandal was perfect fodder for armchair sleuths and conspiracy theorists, and the Long Island serial killer myth and mysteries persisted, until Heuermann's arrest on 13 July, 2023.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

That’s a reference to the overly suave serial killer in the film “American Psycho” crossed with a popular 1990s version of a male Barbie known for its pretty eyes and good hair.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 21, 2026

In some cases, it can be helpful, like the case of the Long Island serial killer, where the victims were not commanding national interest, and social media and advocates can play a huge role.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 11, 2025

But the historical record makes Homo sapiens look like an ecological serial killer.

From "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "serial killer" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com