killer

1 of 2

noun

kill·​er ˈki-lər How to pronounce killer (audio)
1
: one that kills
2
3
a
: one that has a forceful, violent, or striking impact
b
: one that is extremely difficult to deal with

killer

2 of 2

adjective

1
: strikingly impressive or effective
a killer smile
a killer résumé
2
: extremely difficult to deal with
a killer fastball
also : causing death or devastation
a killer tornado

Examples of killer in a Sentence

Noun Heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women. The chemical is used as a weed killer. Adjective killer viruses that claimed millions of lives a killer exercise program guaranteed to whip you into shape
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Upcoming projects include the Paramount+ serial killer drama Happy Face, A24’s adaptation of No. 1 true crime podcasts The Girlfriends, and comedy The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh for Amazon Freevee. Semi-Formal is represented by UTA, Artists First, and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 27 June 2024 Sarah Michelle Gellar knows a thing or two about serial killers. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 27 June 2024 She’s mysteriously trailed by a P.I. (Kevin Bacon) and haunted by accumulating deaths around her, while the city is terrorized by real-life serial killer Richard Ramirez, known as the Night Stalker. Rich Juzwiak, TIME, 27 June 2024 The family of one of Jeffrey Dahmer's victims is taking aim at pop star Ariana Grande for her recent comment about her past interest in meeting the Milwaukee serial killer. Chris Foran, Journal Sentinel, 27 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for killer 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'killer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1951, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of killer was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near killer

Cite this Entry

“Killer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/killer. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

killer

1 of 2 noun
ˈkil-ər
1
: one that kills
2

killer

2 of 2 adjective
1
: strikingly impressive or effective
a killer smile
2
: extremely difficult
a killer exam
also : causing death or devastation
a killer tornado

More from Merriam-Webster on killer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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