killer whale

noun

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

killer whale

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of killer whale¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

She said the team was also investigating if there were any killer whales nearby at the time.

From BBC

The researchers used drone footage and biological data from tags suction-cupped to 11 northern and southern resident killer whales off the coast of B.C. to gather information on the animals' habits.

From Science Daily

It's the latest in a series of dozens of such incidents, including a yacht that was sunk last November after orcas, also known as killer whales, rammed the yacht's rudder.

From Salon

At the time, Mastick was a doctoral student at the University of Washington, studying endangered orcas, or killer whales.

From Science Magazine

Wade or drifting into bizarre monologues about killer whales, windmills and the deep state.

From Salon